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Following is the first report (including CCHR/BRIDGES' response) to the NCAA issued by UND in 2002.

The report itself can be viewed at the BRIDGES website: http://www.und.edu/org/bridges/index2.html

Responses to this report are listed after each section and begin *WHAT THE REPORT FAILED TO MENTION:*

NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee survey

Institution: University of North Dakota (Grand Forks)

Mascot: Fighting Sioux (team name)

Contact information: David H. Vorland, Director, Office of University Relations, phone 701/777-4309

1. Origin of the mascot name.

UND's athletic teams were first known as the "Flickertails." In 1930, after a campaign led by the student newspaper, the Athletic Board of Control adopted the name "Sioux." The addition of the word "Fighting," modeled after Notre Dame's "Fighting Irish," occurred later.

It should be noted that North Dakota's white settlers often used American Indian names and images to designate or symbolize cities, waterways, geographic features, businesses, and so forth (including the word "Dakota" to refer to the state itself). Official highway markers have utilized an Indian head symbol since early in the century. The North Dakota Highway Patrol uses another Indian head emblem on its uniforms and squad cars. Fifteen North Dakota schools, including five on reservations, use Indian-related team names.

**WHAT THE REPORT FAILED TO MENTION: Reasons given for the change were, “1) Sioux are a good exterminating agent for the Bison  2) They (Sioux) are warlike, of fine physique and bearing...  3) The word Sioux is easily rhymed for yells and songs.”  During this time there are two circumstances of note:  One, no American Indians were present on the UND campus as students and two, there is no mention of honoring any tribe as a reason for change.**

2. Current use of the name, including imagery and/or rituals used in portrayal of the mascot name.

The University of North Dakota now employs two athletic logos featuring an Indian head. One is an abstract graphic image presented in one or two colors. The other is an image created by an American Indian artist (see below) for use in both black and white and full color. Both the team name and image are used primarily in connection with the athletic program and in licensed marketing of sports-related merchandise. UND's Graphic Identity Style and Standards Manual limits use of the athletic logos to situations connected to intercollegiate athletics (for example, to highlight sports-related content of student recruitment materials).

**WHAT THE REPORT FAILED TO MENTION: however, due to the numerous agreements with vendors, the name and logo can be seen in a variety of non-sporting events and venues throughout the community.**

The name and logo are used in the typical array of sports marketing applications: In or on printed materials, advertising, player and cheerleader uniforms, the Athletic Department web site, etc. Both are incorporated into the interior and exterior decor of the various playing venues.The name and the logos are among the licensed marks administered by the Collegiate Licensing Company under the direction of the University's Vice President for Finance and Operations. Agreements are in place with 112 vendors.

The University does not utilize a "mascot" to entertain the crowds during athletic events. From time to time an American Indian dancer in authentic regalia leads teams onto the field or floor, usually performing briefly and then leaving. One of UND's two fight songs uses the expression "Fight On Sioux."

With respect to other uses of the name, the Alumni Association's "Sioux Award," given to distinguished graduates, is regarded as second only to the institution's honorary doctoral degree in terms of prestige. A "Sioux Room" is found in the UND Memorial Union. The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) detachment has long been known as the "Fighting Sioux Battalion."

**WHAT THE REPORT FAILED TO MENTION: Fans attending games at the Engelstad Arena can purchase “Sioux-per” dogs and “Sioux-venirs” at the concession stands.**  

3. Please describe fan and/or cheerleader antics in support of the mascot/logo.

Many fans wear clothing featuring the team name and logo. However, there are no "traditions" such as war whoops, tomahawk chops, face paint, or similar antics.

**WHAT THE REPORT FAILED TO MENTION: but all have occurred in connection with UND sporting events. **

Inappropriate fan behavior is strongly discouraged.

**WHAT THE REPORT FAILED TO MENTION: but it is something the university has not and can not effectively regulate. **  As indicated above, there is no "mascot." Prior to the beginning of home athletic events, the public address announcer reads the following statement: "UND is the home of the Fighting Sioux. UND officially adopted the name of the Fighting Sioux in the 1930s to honor the American Indian tribes of the state. We ask that you cheer your team to victory and exhibit good sportsmanship, as well as respect for the American Indians and their rich culture and heritage." The infrequent incidents that occur largely involve the fans of opposing teams, most often at away games. This manifests itself in the wearing or chanting of inappropriate slogans, such as "Sioux Suck."

**WHAT THE REPORT FAILED TO MENTION: During the playing of “The Star Spangled Banner”, the fans can be heard to change the lyrics from “home of the brave” to “home of the Sioux.”  **

4. Has there been any controversy (campus) associated with the use of the mascot? Please explain.

Generally speaking, controversy has flared at the beginnings of the terms of each of the past three presidents (see below, response to question 5). Since 1992, the Fighting Sioux team name and logo issue has been constantly on the agenda, kept alive because of the University's stated willingness to discuss the issue, the existence of organizations and individuals taking strong positions on either side.

**WHAT THE REPORT FAILED TO MENTION: the occurrence of acts of racism
toward American Indians in the community,**

and the occurrence (or allegation) of occasional acts of racism toward American Indians in the community. The use of American Indian imagery in sports programs is, of course, a national issue. UND is far from being the only university with an Indian-related team name, but it has received unusual national attention recently because of media interest in the circumstances surrounding a $100 million gift to UND to build a new ice hockey arena. The donor, a former college hockey player himself, has been an advocate of the continued use of the Fighting
Sioux team name.

**WHAT THE REPORT FAILED TO MENTION: At the end of March 2001, two posters were found in Merrifield Hall (outside the Indian Studies Department).  The posters contained the phrases, “Go back to the res or work @ the casion(sic) ‘Prarie Nigga’”, “Drink ‘em lots o’ fire water” and “If you get rid of the fighting Sioux, then we get rid of your free schooling”.  A UND investigation was unable to determine who perpetrated the crime. **

5. Has your institution undergone any review of the mascot? If so please provide the procedures, outcome and date (year).

The administration of President Thomas Clifford (1971-1992) began with protests initially against a fraternity that had erected an obscene ice sculpture with a Native American theme.

**WHAT THE REPORT FAILED TO MENTION: (In 1972, during the King Kold Karnival, a female Indian with her legs spread, along with the slogan, “Lick'em, Sioux.”).**

Clifford negotiated with the aggrieved parties (including leaders of the national American Indian Movement) and agreed to eliminate those aspects of the use of Native American imagery that were clearly demeaning and offensive. Virtually all Indian-related logos and symbols, including the popular "Sammy Sioux" caricature, disappeared. Although the Chicago Blackhawk logo, used by the hockey team since the 1960s, was retained, a new abstract Indianhead logo was introduced in 1976 and adopted for most athletic purposes. Clifford insisted that Indian imagery be used with respect. He also intensified UND's efforts to include a focus on Native Americans in the curriculum and to develop yet more programs to assist students. UND's high profile in these areas was recognized in 1989 when it was given responsibility for working with the tribes to ensure that native peoples were recognized in the statewide Centennial celebration.

Shortly after the beginning of the Kendall Baker administration (1992-1999), a number of white students jeered American Indian children wearing traditional dance regalia on a Homecoming float. During the subsequent controversy, Baker convened two well-attended campus forums and visited the North Dakota reservations to seek input.

**WHAT THE REPORT FAILED TO MENTION: (On December 3, 1992, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe issued the first tribal resolution  asking the University of North Dakota to discontinue use of the “fighting Sioux” nickname.)** 

 

He announced his decision on July 27, 1993: UND would continue the respectful and appropriate use of the name as a positive influence in encouraging respect and appreciation for diversity in all of its forms. UND would, however, drop its use of the Blackhawk logo. A committee was formed to propose steps that could be taken by the Athletic Department to ensure respectful use of the team name. One result was a mandatory public address announcement before every athletic event. Moreover, the University pledged to leave open the question of the team name for
further discussion and education.

On July 1, 1999, Charles E. Kupchella became president. Later that fall, a new controversy began with the news that UND had decided to implement a new Indian head logo designed by American Indian artist Bennett Brien. The president appointed a fact-finding commission to gather information he needed to make a decision on the team name issue, to provide education for all persons interested in the issue, to examine the experiences of UND and other universities that considered nickname changes, and to outline alternative courses of action. Among others, the group included faculty, students, tribal representatives, alumni, the director of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission, a retired federal judge and two former governors.

The commission contracted with the UND Social Science Research Institute to conduct surveys of alumni, employees, students, and minority students. Complete results are available online at http://www.und.edu/namecommission. Generally, the survey found overwhelming support for keeping the name among all constituencies except minority students. And even among American Indian students, there was some sentiment for keeping the name (for example, 44 percent of UND American Indian students did not agree with the statement "The athletic teams' nick name "Fighting Sioux" perpetuates discrimination against American Indians"). This finding tends to parallel the survey results of the Peter Harris Research Group, Inc., reported in the March 4, 2002, issue of Sports Illustrated, which indicated 53 percent of American Indians living on reservations do not believe Native American team names and mascots contribute to discrimination against Indians.

**WHAT THE REPORT FAILED TO MENTION: They do not parallel the findings of an Indian Country Today (a national Native American newspaper) poll in which “81 percent of respondents indicated use of American Indian names, symbols and mascots are predominantly offensive and deeply disparaging to Native Americans.”** 

In addition, the commission held hearings and interviewed representatives from the University of Illinois and Miami University of Ohio, both of which had faced this issue. Although it did not issue a written report, the commission engaged in a final, face-to-face dialogue with President Kupchella in the late fall of 2000. He was preparing a recommendation to the State Board of Higher Education when, on December 21, 2002, that body voted unanimously to retain the team name and the new logo. After the meeting, the President outlined the University's intentions:

"As the board took up the issue of the Sioux nickname and made its decision today, I was in the final stage of considering several options and was prepared to take action to be announced during the first part of January. Instead, the decision has been made unanimously by the body that has ultimate authority in all matters related to this University and the other public institutions of higher education in North Dakota. The University of North Dakota is proud of its record in providing educational opportunities for our Native American citizens, and for attempting to generate understanding and a new appreciation of Native American culture. But much more needs to be done, and I pledge to lead UND in new efforts to accomplish this goal. It is especially important that we make sure that Native American leaders are invited to the campus to see what the University is doing to support Native American students and to learn more about the richness of their culture and to seek their insight into how UND can better serve their needs. I have made an unconditional commitment that the University of North Dakota will seek to become the leading institution in the United States of America in serving Native Americans, both as students and as citizens across the region. We will continue to pursue that objective."

The University has established a new standing American Indian Programs Council which, among other accomplishments, has in partnership with the UND Alumni Association supported new initiatives in student recruitment, fund-raising and staff development. The University's new Strategic Plan commits the institution to becoming the leading university in the nation in providing opportunity to American Indian students and service to the reservations.

In 2001, the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education launched an investigation resulting from an anonymous complaint alleging that Native American students at UND were being subjected to various forms of racial harassment. Included in the intensive investigation were two visits to the campus by teams from the agency's Denver office. Although the scrutiny discovered no pattern of harassment, the University agreed to make more explicit and to disseminate its racial harassment policy, to revise its grievance procedures, to develop more systematic procedures for reporting, investigating and recording incidents of alleged harassment and discrimination, to tighten procedures related to control of University computer equipment, and to provide additional training for all faculty and staff.

6. Does the institution offer a Native American studies program?

The University's Department of Indian Studies, established in 1977, offers a baccalaureate major and a minor in Indian Studies. Many students include Indian Studies as part of a double major, or as a preparatory degree for a graduate or professional school. Others, including many non-American Indians, take selected courses to increase their understanding of Native American history and culture or to prepare for work in Indian communities. Some sample courses: Traditional Plains Indian Culture, Survey of Native American Art, Native American Philosophical Thought, Native American Child Development, Reservation Government and Politics, History of Federal Indian Law and Policy.

A separate Native American Programs Office, housed in a centrally located American Indian Cultural Center, assists students in all areas of university life and provides a central gathering place for social and cultural activity.

UND also is home to two dozen Indian-related programs ranging from those offering special academic opportunities in specific fields to those that focus on research and service to benefit American Indians.

**WHAT THE REPORT FAILED TO MENTION: (Of those two dozen, twenty-one programs, including the Department of Indian Studies and American Indian Student Services, issued a collaborative statement supporting discontinuance of the nickname and logo.)** 

A nationally known example is the Indians into Medicine Program, established in 1973, which admits seven American Indians each year into the University's M.D. program. It has graduated a significant number of the country's American Indian physicians. In addition, INMED provides slots for American Indian students in both the physical and occupational therapy programs. It also supports students in nursing, clinical psychology and various other health specialties, an deserves as a scholarship office for the Indian Health Service. INMED offers educational support for students from the elementary through professional school levels, a comprehensive approach which makes it a unique program nationally. A tribal advisory board consisting of American Indians assists in developing INMED philosophies and priorities.

**WHAT THE REPORT FAILED TO MENTION: This advisory board issued a resolution opposing use of the “fighting Sioux” name and associated head logos in December of 1999.**

7. Are there educational programs or events focused on Native Americans offered annually for students, faculty and staff?

The University's Native American Programs Office, the Indian Studies Department, other American Indian-related programs and student organizations, and other UND departments offer a wide variety of programming during the year. These events range from social gatherings to large special events such as last year's "Northern Plains Conference on American Indian Team Names & Logos." The University encourages such diversity-related programming by allocating money to a Multicultural Activities Committee, which also receives funding from student government.

For more than 30 years, the UND Indian Association has sponsored an annual Pow-wow that includes a weeklong Wacipi program of educational presentations and discussions. The UNDIA pow-wow, and another sponsored by the Indians into Medicine Program, draw thousands of participants and spectators.

8. Are there any established relationships between the university and an American Indian tribal council(s) or government(s)? Please explain the relationship.

There is no formal agreement like the one at Florida State University in which a tribal government has granted permission for use of the name. One North Dakota tribal council has adopted a formal resolution in opposition to use of the team name; the three other reservations located in the state have chosen not to take a position.

**WHAT THE REPORT FAILED TO MENTION: Three North Dakota tribal councils have adopted formal resolutions in opposition to use of the team name (The Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe issued Resolution No. SWST-99-015 on February 12, 1999.  The Three Affiliated Tribes issued Resolution 02-031-RP November 21, 2002.); The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has issued two resolutions.**

The University works closely with the tribal governments in its grant writing for Indian-related projects (UND is currently completing 16 collaborative grant-funded projects valued at $1.2 million that involve formal partnerships with tribal entities). Transfer student articulation agreements are in place with the four tribal community colleges in the state. The University also collaborates with tribal governments on issues of student financial aid. Last year tribal governments provided 165 of 396 grants awarded to American Indian students at UND.

9. How is the mascot viewed in the community?

There are, of course, critics of the continued use of the Fighting Sioux team name and logo (again, the University does not have a "mascot" as the term is generally understood). However, based upon the research referenced elsewhere in this report, it is clear the overwhelming majority of constituents view the use of the use of the name and logo as a mark of respect and honor for the native peoples of North Dakota and in particular for the qualities traditionally **STEREOTYPICALLY** associated with American Indians, such as courage and loyalty. The large majority do not believe there is a connection between occasional and unfortunate acts of racism and the use of the Fighting Sioux imagery. On the contrary, they argue that the use of the name and logo bring positive attention to native peoples.

Here, as elsewhere, opponents of the name and logo argue that sports is an inappropriate venue to honor American Indians, creating an environment in which behavior takes place that is hurtful to Indian children and which perpetuates unhelpful stereotypes.

**WHAT THE REPORT FAILED TO MENTION: While it is bureaucratically sound for UND to refute the connection between campus incidents and racism, the relatedness of these matters cannot be denied.**  

10. Are there organized groups on campus supporting and/or not supporting the mascot? Explain.

An informal and unofficial group of faculty and students known as the "Campus Committee for Human Rights" has been active in keeping the issue alive at UND. Among its projects was co-sponsorship of the previously mentioned Northern Plains Conference on American Indian Team Names & Logos. An official student organization known as "BRIDGES" has been active in opposing the Fighting Sioux team name for a number of years. It operates a Web site hosted by UND, http://www.und.nodak.edu/org/span/bridges, which continues to draw national attention.

The UND Alumni Association has been active in presenting the case in favor of the continued use of the team name and logo.

Comments on the use of American Indian mascots in intercollegiate athletics.

The University of North Dakota has clearly demonstrated that its commitment to American Indians goes far beyond its use of an Indian-related sports team name and logo. UND enrolls more than 400 American Indian students and has more than 2,000 Indian alumni. Total support from all sources of American Indian programs and students last year exceeded $9.7 million. It would be tragic if ill-advised actions on the team name issue, by the NCAA or any body, inadvertently damaged UND's capacity to continue to provide opportunities for this underserved
segment of the nation's population.

Attachments

1. A copy of the institutional Code of Conduct for Students.

2. Copies of the licensed logos.

3. Copies of the official fight songs



August 21, 2002

North Dakota Human Rights Coalition

P.O. Box 1961

Fargo, North Dakota 58107-1961

Phone: (701) 239-9323

Fax: (701) 478-4452                                                                                                                         

Email:  humanrights@ndhrc.org

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