Commissioned by the Isabella County Human Rights Committee and funded by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, the study showed less than 15 percent of Native American participants had a positive opinion of Isabella County. Included in the study are more than 500 stories of racial discrimination against Native Americans.

The relationship between members of the Tribe and the community is better than it was 50 years ago. The Mount Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School was closed in 1934. And yet, racial slurs such as "squaw" are documented in the report as still being used in our community today.

Discrimination against Native Americans cannot be allowed if our community is to function as a whole. Now that the study has identified the problem, more must be done to combat it.

The university and community have taken steps in the last few decades to improve their relationship with the Tribe. In 2002, former President Michael Rao and former Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Chief Maynard Kahgegab Jr. signed a resolution laying out the terms of the university's use of the Chippewa nickname. This year, the Mount Pleasant City Commission renamed Columbus Day to Indigenous People's Day, recognizing the fact that Native Americans were here long before the famous explorer arrived.

While these and other strides are admirable, they are not enough. Continued improvements are essential for cohabitation and cooperation.

Discrimination and intolerance are largely generational issues. In 2010, the Pew Research Center found that about 85 percent of millenials are supportive of interracial marriage and dating, compared to only 38 percent of those aged 65 or older.

Students, and especially student athletes, received education on Native American culture earlier, and more regularly, than older community members.

We are proud of the university for its repatriation of Native American remains, for hosting the annual CMU Celebrating Life Pow Wow, providing the Niijkewehn Mentoring Program and naming the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe as the grand marshal for this year's homecoming game.

Two of the many pervading stereotypes identified by the study were the "Lazy Indian" and the "Undeserving Indian." Those interviewed said they face judgement and discrimination from non-Natives when it comes to benefits the Tribe gets from Tribal Casino Revenues. Direct quotes from the study bring that discrimination into plain sight:

"...there is a lot of people that don’t like because we made something positive on our reservation. And it’s, it’s sad because it benefits them too."

"You know, it’s insulting to me, like, I do get per cap, but I work full time. You never asked me if I worked full time…I didn’t get a job because I needed the money; I got the job because I want to be a part of my community and people."

It is difficult to break down stereotypes people might have about Native Americans when they do not interact with them often. More promotion of community activities and educational programs would be helpful for community members who do not receive the education that we have. The Ziibiwing Center, for example, is a valuable resource for education about Native American culture that could be utilized more by the community.

Archaeological studies are performed at the Boarding School through the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work's field school. The field school has placed emphasis on community engagement and education, so it is vital that this program is continuously supported.

CMU has a Native American Studies certificate that could be more utilized. While our student athletes are required to undergo educational training before they can wear the Chippewa name, other students are not required to take courses related to Native American culture. Incorporating more courses from the certificate into the University Program groups, or even one class into the competency requirements, would ensure every single student is.

If students and community members want to continue cheering the Chippewa name at every game, meet and match, they must show respect for the people and culture it represents.

We applaud the county for its attempt to better understand discrimination and for its strides in the last 20 years. We hope to look 20 years forward to a community that tolerates no racism at all.