The University of Minnesota has invited Washington's NFL team to join in a debate about a touchy subject: the use of Indian stereotypes in sports mascots and logos.
So far, the team hasn't said whether it will accept.
The U is hosting the panel discussion on Oct. 30, just three days before the Minnesota Vikings play Washington on campus at TCF Bank Stadium.
The debate is part of a series of educational events about American Indian heritage that the U has scheduled in the run-up to the Nov. 2 game, which has drawn protests over the use of the Redskins nickname.
The U has already registered its objection to the use of the name on promotional materials and merchandise at the game, but also sees a teaching opportunity.
"It's really about us creating the forum for people to have a discussion about the issue," said Anitra Cottledge, communications director for the U's Office for Equity and Diversity, which is coordinating the events.
The programs, which are free and open to the public, will address the impact of the use of American Indian stereotypes in mascots and logos.
The Oct. 30 debate, free and open to the public, will be held at 6 p.m. at Coffman Memorial Union. The panel will include Clyde Bellecourt, a founder of the American Indian Movement, who has called for the name to be banned from the campus stadium.
