‘Redskins’ poll is both ‘unethical’ and ‘invalid’

A poll showing that most Native Americans are not offended by the Washington Redskins’ name is not only “unethical,” it’s “invalid,” investigative journalist Suzette Brewer told Seattle’s Morning News.

The Washington Post poll found “9 in 10 Native Americans” aren’t offended by the NFL team name. That data comes from nine questions, which Brewer – who writes for the Indian Country Today Media Network – says was part of a larger marketing survey by the Washington Post to gather other information as well. The fact that the questions “were crammed in” with others, questions the validity of the poll, she says.

To top it off, less than half of the 504 people surveyed are members of a tribe, Brewer points out.

Brewer says she isn’t sure why a survey was necessary at all – it’s been established that the Redskins’ name is a problem.

“That is the $64,000 question,” she said. “If you look at the methodology [of the poll] and accompanying article, it’s very clear there is a bias involved.”

Brewer is unclear why Redskins team owner Daniel Snyder continues to fight for keeping the name. A recent story showed that Snyder was “pleased” to see the results of the poll.

“The Washington Redskins team, our fans and community have always believed our name represents honor, respect, and pride. Today’s Washington Post polling shows Native Americans agree. We are gratified by this overwhelming support from the Native American community and the team will proudly carry the Redskins name,” a statement to NBC Sports PFT states.

“I’m not sure why Snyder and the Post continues with this feudal effort against change,” Brewer says.

#Tribes are a protected class. Redskins survey not IRB approved. #Unethical .@indiancountry .@POTUS .@washingtonpost https://t.co/LTkWeSXbZF

— Suzette Brewer (@suzette_brewer) May 19, 2016

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