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Dorgan, Conrad oppose 'Fighting Sioux' decision
Tuesday, October 4, 2005

The "Fighting Sioux" logo of the University of North Dakota. ™ UND.

North Dakota Sens. Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan, both Democrats and members of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, say the NCAA is wrong to block the "Fighting Sioux" nickname and logo of the University of North Dakota.

"NCAA is wrong on this matter," Dorgan told The Grand Forks Herald. Dorgan is the vice chairman of the committee.

"I believe the Fighting Sioux logo is in no way derogatory or insulting," Conrad said in a statement quoted by the paper. "It presents a proud image."

Also agreeing was Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D), the state's sole Congressman and UND alumnus. "During my years on campus and since, I have always thought both the Sioux nickname and logo have been treated respectfully by the university," he said.

North Dakota's Sioux tribes and other tribes oppose the use of the name, prompting the NCAA to keep UND on its list of schools with "hostile and abusive" Indian mascots. Under NCAA policy, UND can continue to be called "Fighting Sioux" but can't use the nickname and logo during post-season tournaments.

Get the Story:
Congressional delegation weighs in on NCAA appeal matter (The Grand Forks Herald 10/4)

NCAA Decision:
Statement by NCAA Senior Vice-President for Governance and Membership Bernard Franklin on University of North Dakota Review(September 28, 2005)

NCAA Policy:
NCAA Executive Committee Issues Guidelines for Use of Native American Mascots at Championship Events (August 5, 2005)

Relevant Links:
University of North Dakota - http://www.und.edu
The Ralph - http://www.theralph.com
Fighting Sioux - http://www.fightingsioux.com
NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee - http://www1.ncaa.org/eprise/main/
membership/governance/assoc-wide/moic/index.html
National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media - http://www.aimovement.org/ncrsm

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