Two decades after Eastern Michigan University dropped its Huron mascot to avoid stereotyping American Indians, the divisive moniker is back.
The Detroit News reports that the Huron mascot will live on in logo form, emblazoned on the marching band’s green jackets. The university dropped it in 1991, in favor of the name “Eagles,” based on a recommendation from the Michigan Civil Rights Commission.
The newspaper said the move was “part of several university efforts to unite EMU alumni—especially those who are still vocal about the dropped mascot and won’t financially support the university.”
Band members said they were happy to honor the tradition—even though their uniforms contain not just two, but three different logos, in an homage to the university’s entire mascot history. Here’s how the News described the band’s new duds:
“The Eagles—the current mascot—is written on the back of the uniform’s cap. On the front of the jacket is a large E. Open the jacket and two of the school’s former logos appear: the Huron, along with the Normalite, used by the university when it was founded.”
President Susan Martin of Eastern Michigan said the design is “showing respect to the past but embracing the fact that we are all together under the block E and love Eastern.”
The university’s alumni association asked for reactions to the move on Twitter, but even that group appears to be having a little trouble making up its mind.
RT if you are ready for the weekend! Come join our #EMUAlumni Tailgate this Saturday and help us cheer on our #EMU Eagles to victory! #EMUFB
— EMU Alumni(@EMUAlumni) September 6, 2012
It’s good to (finally) see some movement here.I always have been and always will be a proud Huron! @emualumni
— Patrick Ferguson (@PatFerguson1) September 7, 2012
@antwanharris But TOGETHER we are #TRUEMU!
— EMU Alumni(@EMUAlumni) September 7, 2012
