The Chronicle: Colloquy: The question

THE QUESTION

The University of North Dakota, like other institutions that use American Indian themes for team nicknames, has been criticized for its choice of mascot, the "Fighting Sioux." Native American students, who make up the largest minority group on the campus, have complained for years that the name is demeaning to them and leads to rowdy traditions that insult Native Americans. Supporters of the name say that it is a proud symbol of the university and of the Sioux role in the state's history. At North Dakota, the debate took an unusual twist when a controversial donor threatened to pull a $100-million gift if the university abandoned the Fighting Sioux name. But even under more ordinary circumstances, the use of Indian names can be emotional and divisive. Should colleges end the use of American Indian themes in the nicknames, mascots, and logos of their athletics teams? Did the University of North Dakota handle the issue properly?

For further information, see this background article:

A Battle Over a Name in the Land of the Sioux (2/23/2001)

: 118 RESPONSES (New 6/28)

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