McCollum Responds to U of M President Kaler’s Letter Regarding Washington NFL Team’s Visit to TCF Bank Stadium
Washington, DC – In response to media requests for comment, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) issued the following statement regarding an August 1, 2014, letter from University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler. The letter addressed the impending visit of the Washington NFL franchise to TCF Bank Stadium to play the Minnesota Vikings.
“The University of Minnesota is a world-class institution of higher education that is dedicated to making diversity, equity, and social justice universal values,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “The presence of the Washington NFL franchise and their racist name on November 2nd at TCF Bank Stadium tests those values. I am pleased that President Kaler is fully engaged in discussions with the Vikings and is appropriately concerned about Dan Snyder’s refusal to change this offensive mascot.”
“The University of Minnesota should live up to its values. This includes ensuring an environment on campus in which Native Americans and all Americans will be respected, not disparaged. Students, faculty, and all who visit the University of Minnesota should not be subjected to a harmful stereotype, and should instead be immersed in the very values the University champions.”
Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations Committee. She is Democratic Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.