University of Minnesota Asks Washington Redskins To Change Name, Logo

Out of sensitivity for the local Native American population, the University of Minnesota has requested that the Washington Redskins change their uniforms when they play at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis this coming fall.

The University of Minnesota will be hosting the Minnesota Vikings this season while their stadium is remodeled, and the Midwestern NFL team is set to play against the Washington Redskins at the TCF Bank Stadium on Nov. 2.

The Washington Redskins have previously received criticism for their team name and logo that features a Native American, with politicians, church denominations and local Native American communities imploring the NFL team to change its name and logo.

"(The Vikings) said they'd make that request of the Washington team, but were not sure how it would be received," Katrice Albert, vice president of the University of Minnesota's office of equity and diversity, told The Washington Post.

"The two Vikings officials said they are part of the NFL and don't have the authority to force the hand to change the Washington name but understand it's offensive to some members of our community. The Vikings have a great working relationship with the tribal nations of Minnesota, and they're very understanding of how this team name and logo impacts our community."

The United Church of Christ has also previously requested that the Washington Redskins change their name, with its Central Atlantic Conference voting to boycott the team's games and merchandise until it changes its name and logo.