Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Time to retire Rebel mascot

The UNLV mascot is a nasty reminder of white, capitalist robber baron industrialist Americana that does not reflect the diversity that the university says it represents in every definition of self used to promote business and attract students.

It doesn’t matter that technically he is not a slave owner or a Confederate rebel (a traitor to the Union).

It matters that everyone who sees it is reminded of racism.

It matters that it promotes a view of the successful American as someone who does not look at all like most of the student body.

It matters that it reflects a dying idea of success that has no place in the future.

It matters that it’s time to reconsider what the successful American looks like. It should, at the very least, look like an educated human being.

It is a deeply unpopular symbol to those on campus who it is supposed to represent. This is an opportunity to put up something fresh that accurately represents us. Get rid of the thing now.