Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Elsie Meeks, an Oglala Lakota and member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR), yesterday challenged the USCCR to put negative and sacrilegious behavior in the same category of other racially offensive behavior. Meeks has asked the Commission to condemn the racist and sacrilegious use of American Indian names, images and religious symbols by the sports and media industry.

Ms. Meeks has also recommended the Commission condemn the use of federal money to academic institutions that participate in these practices. But some Commissioners disagree with Commissioner Meeks' position.

What some commissioners have told the Commission is that only a few Urban Indians care about this issue. They have said that no one else cares or thinks it is offensive. They have said this even though it is well established by every major American Indian institution and professional organization that these images, names and religious symbols are offensive. The commissioners have given her only 20 days to prove her case.

WE ARE ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND RESOURCES IN AIDING US IN THIS IMPORTANT FIGHT.

Let the Commission know you care. Tell them that offensive imagery and stereotypes affect our business community, acedemic institutions, and social behavior. Our corporations and media industry are promoting and perpetuating sterotypes, giving them credibility. These images and names have no place in the workplace or the schoolroom.

The National Review magazine has already written an article about the Commission taking up this issue.

PLEASE WRITE TO THE CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION, ELSIE MEEKS AND THE NEWS MEDIA

Ms. Mary Frances Berry, Chair
ATTN: Racist Images of American Indian People Issue
U.S. Civil Rights Commission
624 9th Street NW
Washington, DC 20425

Elsie Meeks
c/o Patrick Duffy
614 North Dakota Street Suite 201
Vermillion, SD 57069
E-mail: pduffy87@hotmail.com
Phone: 605-624-7290 ~ FAX: 775-213-3894

Elsie Meeks, Lakota Fund
P.O. Box 340
Kyle, South Dakota 57752
E-mail: elsie@rapidnet.com

If you need additional information please contact Elsie Meeks.