This petition is to Upward to stop using "Indian" mascots. Upward is an evangelistic sports ministry specifically designed for K5 through sixth grade boys and girls that promotes salvation, character, and self-esteem in every child. The names "Chiefs, Redskins (a very racist term for Indian people in particular), Cherokees, Braves, and Indians" were all being used at our Church. These names are counter-productive to getting the Gospel out to ALL races and types of people. Indian people will NOT be likely to come and participate and be saved if they are being belittled and demeaned by racist depictions of themselves plastered on banners and team uniforms. The first age group of children has mascots that are birds. The Eagles, Hawks, and Raptors for instance. The next is something else which I don't recall at this moment. I believe it was to do with cats like Lions and Wildcats and such. The third group is where the "Indians, Chiefs, Redskins," etc come in. The main goal with Upward, I was told and under the assumption of, is to share the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. How can that be done effectively if a group of people are being degraded by mascots? These mascots have been in use for so long by non-Indians that most people who are not Indian are desensetized and see no harm in them. What if there was a team called the "Blacks?". The "Whites, the Chinese, the Mexicans"? So then why is the "Indians" appropriate? This is a stumbling block in the path of Indian people coming to Christ and recieving salvation. The word "Redskins" is the same in meaning to the words "N*gger, H*nky, Ch*nk, or Sp*c". It has a long painful history behind it. I am aware that these names are used by sports team both College and Pro across the country. There are many lawsuits by various tribes being sorted through even now concerning these names. But I am concerned specifically about Indian people getting to hear the Word of God and be saved without feeling uncomfortable or outcasted by people who see nothing wrong with names that degrade and make them seem less than human. Salvation is available to anyone who repents and comes to Jesus. Why should the opportunity be hindered?