Education
UND president wavers on tribal support for 'Sioux'


University of North Dakota President Charles Kupchella said tribal support for the "Fighting Sioux' nickname and logo is not necessary to exempt the school from the NCAA's policy on Indian mascots.

Kupchella has previously indicated that the school has the support of the Spirit Lake Nation of North Dakota. But after talking with the NCAA, he said, "Even if you didn't have an approval [from a tribe], you could still win" an appeal, The Grand Forks Herald reported.

In 1999, seven tribes, including the Spirit Lake Nation, called for the removal of "Fighting Sioux," according to BRIDGES, a student organization at UND. But Kupchella said earlier this month that the Spirit Lake Nation is not totally opposed "as long as we take pains to use it respectfully."

Get the Story:
NCAA: Tribe's OK good, but not a trump (The Grand Forks Herald 8/26)
UND to follow FSU�s lead (AP 8/26)
pwday

NCAA Announcement:
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
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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