The University of Utah "Utes" logo. Image from Wikipedia

The Ute Tribe met with the University of Utah last month to discuss the future of the "Utes" mascot.

The tribe officially supports the name and logo. But the tribe is asking for an Office of the Special Advisor to the President on American Indian Affairs and a tuition waiver for enrolled members.

"The University and Ute Tribal leaders will continue to work on a Memorandum of Understanding. When we have such an agreement in hand, we will release it to the public," the two parties said in a joint press release. "In the meantime, the University and Ute Indian Tribal leaders will continue to work together to ensure a strong and respectful relationship, in recognition of the special relationship that exists between the Ute Indian Tribe as a sovereign nation and the University of Utah."

About 170 Indian students attend the university, The Salt Lake Tribune reported. Some of them want to see the name and logo retired, citing a negative atmosphere on campus.

"By allowing University of Utah students and fans to wear Native American headdresses, paint their faces red and ‘play Indian,’ throughout campus, at tailgating events and in the football stadium, the University of Utah is unilaterally allowing the denigration and mockery of Native American traditions, customs and religious symbols," the Indigenous Students and Allies for Change said in a petition on change.org.

Get the Story:
Utah athletics: Student group asks U. to drop ties to Ute tribe (The Salt Lake Tribune 12/4)

Related Stories:
Editorial: University of Utah owes Ute Tribe for use of name (11/14)