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School won't get on Redskins ban wagon

A BUCKS COUNTY school board has approved a new policy that forbids a school newspaper from banning the word "Redskins" when referring to its sports teams or controversial mascot.

A BUCKS COUNTY school board has approved a new policy that forbids a school newspaper from banning the word "Redskins" when referring to its sports teams or controversial mascot.

The Neshaminy High School newspaper staff voted in October to ban use of the word in the paper, calling it a racial slur. A directive from the school's principal in December stated that the newspaper wasn't allowed to do that.

Board members who voted Tuesday to forbid the Playwickian from banning the word "Redskins" said it violated the free-speech rights of students wishing to publish articles about the school's teams.

Editorial page co-editor Jack Haines said the staff would speak with their own counsel, obtained through the Student Press Law Center, before deciding their next step.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says it's time for the NFL's Washington Redskins to change their name.

The Nevada Democrat is accusing Redskins owner Daniel Snyder of hiding behind tradition in retaining his team's name.

Reid says that his state has 22 tribes and that the only tradition behind the Redskins' name was one of racism.

Reid is applauding the NBA for banning Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life. Sterling was caught in an audio recording making racist comments about blacks.

The senator says it's time for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to follow the NBA's lead and rid his league of bigotry and racism.