The American Sociological Association called today for sports teams at all levels of competition to cease using American Indian nicknames, logos, and mascots. In a resolution approved by the association’s council, the group said that social-science research had shown that “the continued use of Native American nicknames, logos, and mascots in sport harm Native American people in psychological, educational, and social ways.” The resolution also said that Indian mascots reinforce damaging stereotypes in American society, “undermine education about the lives of Native American peoples,” and show “disrespect for Native American spiritual and cultural practices.”

Disputes over American Indian mascots and nicknames have embroiled a number of colleges and universities, especially since the NCAA adopted a policy in 2005 to crack down on the practice in college sports. Last month the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign decided to end the traditional dance of “Chief Illiniwek” at sporting events.