The Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) initiated a lawsuit against the Washington Commanders in federal court today, challenging a deeply entrenched narrative surrounding racism in sports.

The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court of North Dakota, accuses the NFL franchise and its new owner, Josh Harris, of defamation, civil conspiracy, and civil rights violations. At its core, the legal action aims to hold the organization accountable for its role in suppressing Native American history.

NAGA had spearheaded a widely-publicized petition earlier this summer, rallying for the franchise to embrace its traditional Redskins identity. This initiative garnered a remarkable 150,000 signatures, signifying a significant demand for change and reevaluating the prevailing sports racism narrative.