New poll: 65 percent don't favor Redskins name change

Sixty-five percent of polled Washington D.C.-area residents don't think the Washington Redskins' name should be changed, according to a poll released by Vox

Sixty-five percent of polled Washington D.C.-area residents don't think the Washington Redskins' name should be changed, according to a poll released by Vox Populi. 

Thirty percent don't believe the name should be changed and three percent are unsure. Seventy-one percent do not find the name offensive.

The population polled comprised 701 'self-declared' NFL fans, with 352 declaring the Redskins their favorite D.C.-area sports team.

Sixty-five percent of respondents have been Redskins fans for more than 15 years, while 19 percent have been fans for between one and five years.

Fifty-six percent would not buy new merchandise if the franchise were to change its name.

Vox Populi is a polling firm launched by Republican strategists.

“It appears that Washington Redskins fans are standing behind owner Dan Snyder’s commitment to keep their team name,” said Vox Populi polling spokeswoman Lisa Boothe. “Despite calls from some to change the Redskins’ namesake, the vast majority of fans do not find the team name offensive. In another sign of support, the majority of Washington, DC fans would not purchase new team merchandise if the Redskins changed their name.”

Previous polls on the Redskins name have not consistently shown fans opposing or in favor of a name change.

More: Granddaughter of first Redskins owner wants team name changed

One poll commissioned by the Oneida Indian Nation and released in October 2013 shows 59 percent of adults in the Washington region believe American Indians called "redskin" have a right to feel offended. 

An Associated Press poll released in May 2013 shows 79 percent of respondents, described as '1,004 adults on both land lines and cell phones,' don't support a name change.

The Redskins have increasingly come under scrutiny with charges from lawmakers and media members that the name is offensive toward the Native American community.

A letter signed by 50 U.S. senators and endorsed by majority leader Harry Reid urged NFL leadership to press for a name change.

Redskins president Bruce Allen responded with his own letter, writing "With over 81 years of tradition created by thousands of alumni and millions of fans, the Redskins team name continues to carry a deep and purposeful meaning."

More: The Battle of Washington

- Chris Johnson