Sioux tribes endorse UND's use of "Fighting Sioux"
The University of North Dakota appears to have won a battle in
its fight with NCAA over its use of the phrase Fight Sioux for its
athletic teams.
Earlier this week, the university received a letter from the
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, endorsing the university's use of
the phrase. In the letter, the tribal chairman says the university
has been a long and strong supporter of education for Sioux
citizens and offers more Indian Programs than any other
university in the country. The letter went on to say when tribal
officials visited the campus, they "did not observe any abusive
or derogatory comments or remarks concerning Native
Americans."
UND officials were quick to forward the letter to the NCAA's
governing committee along with comments that the university
now has the blessing of all Sioux Tribes living in North Dakota.
The NCAA considers the nickname and Indian head logo
"hostile and abusive," and ruled that the school may not use
them during NCAA postseason tournaments. UND has already
lost one appeal, but is moving forward with a second complaint
against the NCAA.
The University of North Dakota appears to have won a battle in
its fight with NCAA over its use of the phrase Fight Sioux for its
athletic teams.
Earlier this week, the university received a letter from the
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, endorsing the university's use of
the phrase. In the letter, the tribal chairman says the university
has been a long and strong supporter of education for Sioux
citizens and offers more Indian Programs than any other
university in the country. The letter went on to say when tribal
officials visited the campus, they "did not observe any abusive
or derogatory comments or remarks concerning Native
Americans."
UND officials were quick to forward the letter to the NCAA's
governing committee along with comments that the university
now has the blessing of all Sioux Tribes living in North Dakota.
The NCAA considers the nickname and Indian head logo
"hostile and abusive," and ruled that the school may not use
them during NCAA postseason tournaments. UND has already
lost one appeal, but is moving forward with a second complaint
against the NCAA.