WASHINGTON 鈥斅燙lothing and gear with the Washington Redskins鈥� team name on it will not be allowed at Sidwell Friends School, in Northwest Washington.
In an end-of-year letter to parents, Head of School Bryan Garman wrote that the administration 鈥渇ully supports鈥� a recommending the banning of 鈥渃lothing with the team鈥檚 logo or official name, as long as it contains the word 鈥楻edskins鈥�,鈥� effective with the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year.
The resolution by the student government explains that the school鈥檚 dress code says 鈥渃hildren may not wear clothing with messages or images 鈥� that conflict with the School鈥檚 values.鈥� The students determined that Redskins clothing 鈥渋s in direct violation of our dress code, and should be enforced like any other violation.鈥�
The aim, the students explained, was to 鈥済uide the educated Sidwell student down a path of ensuring social justice for all members of society.鈥�
The government referred to the impact of communications with Native American activist and author Gyasi Ross in its thought process, saying in the statement, 鈥淣o matter our intent in wearing Washington Football Team apparel, as Gyasi Ross told us, its impact perpetuates stereotypes and takes the voice away from Native Americans in our society.鈥�
The student government鈥檚 statement regarding the resolution added that they considered the free-expression implications of the move, and that 鈥渢he moment we start removing these thoughts 鈥斅爊o matter their content 鈥斅爄s the moment we lose the 鈥榙ynamic educational community鈥� we so cherish and strive to ensure.鈥�
But, the students added, 鈥淭his policy reinforces such critical thinking, compelling students to think about offensive encounters in their daily lives.鈥�
They concluded by saying, 鈥淲e don鈥檛 ask that every member of Sidwell鈥檚 diverse community agree with this decision, but rather for everyone to respect its spirit.鈥�
Garman, in his letter, said that the administration 鈥渁dmires the thoughtful manner鈥� in which the resolution was made.
