
Since the early 2000s, the Sisters of Mercy have advocated
through shareholder resolutions, floor speeches, letters and dialogues
for FedEx (whose name appears on the Washington, D.C., National Football
League team stadium) to end its sponsorship due to the team’s name,
which is disparaging to Native Americans. The issue has gained
significant support over the years, but with the recent increase in
public awareness of racial injustices, Mercy Investment Services and six
partners including the Oneida nation prompted more than 85 other
investors to ask FedEx, Nike and PepsiCo – all major sponsors of the
team – “to meet the magnitude of this moment, to make their opposition
to the racist team name clear, and to take tangible and meaningful steps
to exert pressure on the team to cease using it.” Shortly after sending
the letter, FedEx, which owns naming rights for the team’s stadium,
asked the team to change its name. Nike soon followed by removing all
Washington football merchandise from its website. After these clear
messages, ownership of the Washington team released a statement saying
they will “undergo a 'thorough' review of the nickname.” Mercy
Investment Services will continue to monitor the responses of the
companies and the team.
New York Times: Report: Investment Firms Lobby Sponsors to Cut Ties With Redskins
CNBC: Washington Redskins to review name after FedEx asks team to change it
AdWeek: Investors Ask Nike, FedEx and PepsiCo to End Relationships With the Washington Redskins
Pensions & Investments: Investors press 3 firms to cut ties with Washington NFL team over name