Washington Football Team Symposium

Moderator and director of The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism George Solomon prepares for the symposium in Knight Hall on Oct. 13. The topic of the symposium was Controversy Over a Name: Washington's NFL Team. 

Ray Schoenke, center, is introduced as a panelist. Schoenke is a former member of the Washington Redskins and was adamant the team keep its name. 

Viewers at the symposium look on as the panelist debate the name change issue. Christine Brennan of USA Today said it was the most crowded she had ever seen the theater in Knight Hall. 

Moderator George Solomon looks on as Tara Houska gives her stance on the controversial team name. Houska, creator of Not Your Mascot, was fighting to change the name.

From left, Andy Polin, Dave Owens, Ray Schoenke, Christine Brennan, Mike Wise and Tara Houska sitting in at the panel. Houska, a Native American, was arguing in favor of changing the name because she said it was degrading. 

Christine Brennan of USA Today gives her opinion on the topic. She said she stopped using the name Redskins in her writing not to elicit a reaction but just because she personally felt it to be racist. 

Ray Schoenke, center, was the only one on the panel fighting to keep the name how it is. He said changing the name won't help the horrible conditions for Native Americans on the reserve. 

Moderator George Solomon interrupts Ray Schoenke and Tara Houska as the two were arguing and brings up a new question. 

Ray Schoenke, center, tries to make his point to the rest of the panel. The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism hosted a panel on the same topic last year but had different panelists this year.

Students and viewers look on as Dave Owens of WUSA gives his point on whether or not the Redskins should change their name. Owens said he's seen other high schools and colleges change their mascots and doesn't see a reason the Washington football team shouldn't change their name.

Moderator George Solomon opens up the panel to audience questions. The crowd attacked name supporter Ray Schoenke and said the name shouldn't be kept because of an economic issue but should be changed because it's racist. 

Panel viewers look on as a student asks a question at the Controversy Over a Name: Washington's NFL Team panel held in Knight Hall on Oct. 13.

Other photos: https://plus.google.com/photos/117970207889872833905/albums/6070150725672341793