Facebook Twitter Email
MAY 3, 2001

A task force convened by San Diego State University President Stephen L. Weber recommended on Wednesday that the California school drop its "Monty Montezuma" mascot American Indian and Mexican students consider offensive.

But keeping in line with the school's "Aztec" affiliation, a panel of students, alumni, faculty, and Indian, Hispanic, and other community members said a culturally appropriate mascot should be used in Monty's place. Similarly, school logos should more properly reflect Aztec history and culture, they said.

Additionally, the panel recommended the Aztec leader Montezuma be designated an "ambassador" of the school. "It is appropriate to continue to use Montezuma as a mark / ambassador of the university, but not as a mascot," the group wrote.

Yesterday's report represents five months of work by the panel. After Weber in November said the school will keep its "Aztec" affiliation, he directed the task force to come up with recommendations on the continued use of the school's Aztec-themed mascot, nickname, and logos.

For the 20-member panel, the job proved to be a difficult one. Wrestling with a bond many alumni feel towards "Monty" and balancing the views of American Indian and Hispanic students who have called for the mascot's removal, the group acknowledged they didn't agree on every point.

"Unanimity was neither expected of us nor achieved," said Bill Trumpfheller, president of the school's board of directors. "Indeed, the report contains a number of alternative viewpoints which the president may consider in forming his decisions."

Some members recommended the school get rid not use Montezuma as a mascot or ambassador at all. Citing the US Civil Rights Commission's recent statement on mascots, an alternative view stated the school couldn't possibly honor the Aztec leader.

But others felt there was nothing wrong with the use of "Monty Montezuma." Stated an alternative opinion: "The name 'Monty' has been invoked to show respect and affection for a great warrior and leader and to promote unity. It also is a part of a worldwide tradition of selecting mascots to depict honor, courage, strength and an image of excellence."

In the end, the entire panel recommended "Monty" not be used in describing Montezuma. The group said the diminutive term was not appropriate.

In helping Weber make a final decision, the panel added it was vital he work with people from Mexico. Indigenous, Hispanic, and experts on Mexican and Aztec culture and history need to be consulted, they said.

Currently, the school's mascot wears a headdress adorned with feathers and a skull and holds a spear and shield. Just as the University of Illinois' Chief Illiniwek mascot, a student dons the costume for school events.

Weber has stated such a depiction was most likely not accurate.

Like the current debate over the "Fighting Sioux" nickname at the University of North Dakota, American Indian and Mexican students wanted all Aztec symbols dropped. Most of their counterparts disagreed and last year, 95 percent wanted to keep the nickname while some 87 percent voted to keep the "Montezuma" mascot and the "Monty" logo.

Weber is expected to respond to the panel's report by the end of the month.

More on the Panel:
Aztec Identity  - Summary of Recommendations (5/2)
Aztec Identity Task Force Report (5/2)

Relevant Links:
Mascots and logos, San Diego State University - http://www.sdsu.edu/identity/images.html
Aztec Identiy Information, San Diego State University - http://www.sdsu.edu/identity

Related Stories:
School to keep Aztec affiliation (Indian U. 11/17)

Student Opinions:
Sean Clark: Monty is good for Native Americans (The Daily Aztec 10/10)
Human race should unite to eliminate Monty (The Daily Aztec 10/11)