ASU's Indian Legal Program Presents Sports Symposium on Stereotypes

TEMPE, Ariz., Jan. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University is sponsoring the Indigenous Stereotypes in Sports Symposium on Jan. 30, at the Heard Museum.

For years, caricatures and stereotypes of American Indians have been perpetuated in a variety of forms. Some of the most noticeable examples come from sports teams and their mascots, many of which have remained unchanged for decades despite opposition from groups that feel they disparage American Indians. Taking place days before the Super Bowl, the symposium will open a discussion on the history, issues, and possible resolutions to alter this particular longstanding trend in the sports world.

"We are greatly honored to partner with the Heard, and our distinguished panelists will offer an important opportunity for the community to participate in a nationwide discussion on the impact of derogatory stereotypes on indigenous communities," said ILP Executive Director Kathlene Rosier.

Kevin Gover, College of Law faculty member and director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), will serve as the keynote speaker. Prior to the symposium, Gover will host an ILP lunch lecture at 12:15 p.m. in Armstrong Hall, Room 105, at the ASU Tempe campus.

"Through his leadership at the NMAI, Kevin has done great work educating the public on the negative effects of Indian imagery in sports," said ILP Faculty Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee. "We are thrilled to have him back in Arizona for this symposium and lecture."  

College of Law Dean Douglas Sylvester added; "Kevin is one of the country's leading experts on Indian law, history, and culture. We were especially proud when he was appointed to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian and he is always welcomed back at ASU. As an incredibly kind and thoughtful individual, I would urge anybody to meet Kevin in person." 

Panelists for the symposium will include Suzan Shown Harjo, president and executive director of the Morning Star Institute, a Native rights advocate and Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient (2014); Amanda Blackhorse, a social worker and plaintiff in Blackhorse v. Pro Football Inc.; Dr. Leo Killsback, professor of American Indian Studies at Arizona State University; and former NFL football player Jim Warne, president of the Warrior Society Development LLC, and human resources development at San Diego State University.

The Indian Legal Program at ASU provides legal education and research in the field of Indian law, as well as public service to tribal governments. Students in the program are given the opportunity to represent Native peoples while promoting understanding in regards to the legal systems of Indian Nations and their differences between state and federal governments. This unique program has allowed students, professionals, American Indian Nations, other native governments and organizations alike to build and maintain strong partnerships to benefit communities. 

For more information and to purchase tickets to the symposium, visit http://heard.org/event/indigenous-stereotypes-symposium/   

About the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law is one of the leading public law schools in the country. Currently ranked No. 31 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, the College has moved up further and faster in national rankings than nearly any other law school. The College is the preeminent law school in metropolitan Phoenix, the nation's sixth-largest city. In addition to its renowned faculty, the College is home to several leading centers and programs recognized for excellence, including the Center for Law, Science & Innovation, the Center for Law and Global Affairs and the Indian Legal Program. Its students choose and benefit from numerous opportunities for experiential and practical-skills training as well as an array of theoretical courses. With a writing program that is ranked No. 8 nationally by U.S. News, a wide range of clinical opportunities, a breadth of externship offerings, and a pro bono program that annually contributes more than 100,000 hours of legal and law-related services to the community, the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law is pursuing a path of boundless impact, excellence, engagement and opportunity. For more information, visit law.asu.edu.

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SOURCE The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University

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