No human culture should be reduced to a costume, a chant, or a flaming spear at midfield. Florida State's "Seminoles" tradition is younger than our grandparents — and it's time to write a new one we can all be proud of.
The Florida State Seminoles tradition is often defended as something old, sacred, and untouchable. It isn't. It is younger than the Polaroid camera, younger than the ballpoint pen, younger than the Slinky. It was selected by a student vote in 1947, beating out names like "Crackers" and "Tarpons."
The position of People Not Mascots is straightforward: no living human culture should be performed as a sports symbol. Not at games. Not at halftime. Not by a non-Native student in costume planting a flaming spear into a football field. The American Psychological Association and the National Congress of American Indians have both called for the end of Native imagery in sports because of measurable harm to Native youth.
Plenty of teams have already moved on without losing their fanbase, their wins, or their identity. The Seminoles can too — and the next chapter of FSU should be one its students, alumni, and the wider community help write.
FSU has changed its Native American imagery repeatedly — quietly admitting, every time, that what came before was indefensible. The current symbol is the most polished iteration of a pattern, not a sacred constant.
Major college and professional teams have retired Native American mascots without losing their history, their fans, or their place in the sport. Each one was told it would be the end. Each one is still here.
Public pressure works when it's specific, sustained, and counted. Sign the petition. Get the updates. Show up.
FSU's identity is set by people who answer phones and read mail. Reach the ones whose decisions matter — your state legislator, the FSU Board of Trustees, and the Florida Board of Governors that oversees the state university system.