Members of the Spirit Lake Dakotah Nation say they have gathered enough signatures for a vote on the "Fighting Sioux" nickname and logo of the University of North Dakota.

Supporters want the issue placed on the ballot for the tribe's May 23 general election. Approval could help UND keep its controversial nickname.

But Erich Longie, a tribal member who opposes the nickname, wants the tribe to stay out of the dispute. “I don’t think we should vote for something racist,” Longie told The Grand Forks Herald.

UND agreed to stop using the "Fighting Sioux" unless it could gain approval from the Spirit Lake Nation and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Standing Rock Sioux leaders have already gone on record against the nickname.

Get the Story:
Sioux nickname group: We have enough signatures for public vote (The Grand Forks Herald 3/13)

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