Excerpt from Faculty Policy 1023:

The University of Wisconsin Athletic Department adds its name to those who desire to stop the use of American Indian symbols and names by athletic teams. We are concerned that the use of war chants, American Indian related mascots and logos by teams both perpetuates a stereotype and causes insult to many Native Americans. We therefore adopt the following policy:

1. We will discourage all teams from bringing their American Indian mascots to UW Athletic facilities. Furthermore, we will request that any band not play war chants and that the cheerleaders/pompom squads also not use American Indian gestures, chants, and so forth.

2. For all users of UW Athletic facilities, we will discourage planned events using an American Indian Mascot, symbol, names and activities if that use is disrespectful.

3. The sale of athletic wear or other souvenirs with American Indian mascots or logos will be discouraged on the grounds of the University's athletic facilities.

4. UW representatives to our conferences (Big Ten and WCHA) will present our policy to other members of the conference and the Board of Regents. They will convey to the conference the sensitivity of the use of such names and logos and ask the conference to consider appropriate policies. The intent of this presentation is to exert a leadership in our conferences and in the UW system which will lead institutions with such mascots and names to review the nature and uses of Native American names and symbols.

5. Scheduling. During the regular season, UW Athletic Department will not schedule any team with a Native American mascot or nickname unless the team is a traditional rival or a conference member.

UW-Madison Faculty Document 1023 - 13 Sept 93

-- Aaron Bird Bear, Coordinator, American Indian Student Academic Services (posted 2/19, 5:04 p.m., U.S. Eastern time)

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