Column: Debate over 'Fighting Sioux' all about the money
"The story brings to the forefront the crucial legal question in this case: Who owns the UND logo and nickname? The answer to that question is simple: the people of North Dakota via their representatives on the State Board of Higher Education.

Nickname supporters are fighting a battle that was lost before it ever began.

In order to understand the basics of this case, Herald readers first have to divest themselves of the powerful but completely inaccurate notion that this is a fight against racism or racist symbols. It is about money.

In order for UND’s athletic program to continue to grow, it must be an active participant in the NCAA. Although membership is strictly voluntary, it is impossible to attract top-tier talent unless your program is capable of competing at a national level; and in the U.S., national collegiate championships are the sole purview of the NCAA."

Get the Story:
Paul Cline: Money, not race, drives nickname quarrel (The Grand Forks Herald 3/25)
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