Background
Why is UND changing the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo?
What was the NCAA lawsuit about?
What has UND President Robert Kelley said about this?
Why is there so much controversy over Native American mascots and nicknames?
Why has the NCAA allowed some schools to retain Native American nicknames?
Was there an opportunity to get “namesake approval” for the UND Fighting Sioux?
The Transition
When does the retirement of the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo take effect?
How much is the transition costing UND?
When will retailers have to stop selling Fighting Sioux merchandise?
Will fans still be allowed to wear the Fighting Sioux logo on campus and to games?
Will fans still be allowed to cheer for the Fighting Sioux at games?
What is the significance of the November 30, 2010 date?
What is the significance of the August 15, 2011 date?
Athletics
Is the Alerus going to remove the references to the Fighting Sioux in its venue?
What will the UND athletic teams wear on their uniforms in 2011-2012?
Were the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo factors in UND’s entry into the Big Sky Conference?
Has UND chosen a new nickname and logo?
A New Nickname and Logo?
How will a new nickname and logo be chosen?
When will a new nickname and logo be announced?
What will be the University’s nickname and logo after Fighting Sioux is retired?
What are some of the issues that will be part of choosing a new nickname and logo?
How can I suggest my idea for a new nickname and logo?
Background
Why is UND changing the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo?
The University of North Dakota (UND) is changing its Fighting Sioux nickname and logo at the direction of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education and in compliance with a settlement agreement with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). On May 14, 2009, the State Board adopted a resolution that directed “UND officials to retire the ‘Sioux’ nickname and logo, effective August 1, 2009.” At subsequent meetings, the State Board extended the August 1, 2009 deadline. In April 2010, the State Board implemented the May 2009 resolution and charged Chancellor William Goetz to send a letter directing UND President Robert Kelley to start the process of changing UND’s nickname and logo. The State Board’s decision stems from the conditions of an agreement settling UND’s lawsuit with the NCAA. The Chancellor’s letter, President Kelley’s statement, a video of the University Community forum UND held on April 9, and a video of the news conference that followed the forum are all available at http://nickname.und.edu/logo. A link to information about the NCAA lawsuit and settlement (from the North Dakota Attorney General’s Web site) also is available at http://nickname.und.edu/logo.
What was the NCAA lawsuit about?
In 2005, the NCAA adopted a policy on schools’ use of Native American nicknames, mascots, and imagery. The policy generally prohibits schools from displaying hostile and abusive Native American imagery at NCAA championship events. The state of North Dakota, through the State Board of Higher Education and UND, brought the lawsuit to challenge the NCAA’s inclusion of UND on a list of schools deemed to be using hostile or abusive names and imagery, as well as the process the NCAA used in adopting the policy. The parties reached an agreement to settle the lawsuit. The settlement agreement outlines the conditions UND must meet in order to be removed from the list and also the conditions required to allow UND to host NCAA championship events at the Alerus, the Ralph Engelstad Arena and the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. UND was removed from the NCAA list in September 2010. A link to information about the NCAA lawsuit and settlement (from the North Dakota Attorney General’s Web site) also is available at http://nickname.und.edu/logo.
What has UND President Robert Kelley said about this?
President Kelley has emphasized that the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education’s decision to retire the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo allows UND to focus on what is most important: fulfilling our core mission of teaching, research, and service in a way that improves the quality of life for the people in our state, our region and the nation. President Kelley’s initial statement, a video of the University Community forum UND held on April 9, 2010, and subsequent statements and forums are all available at http://nickname.und.edu/logo.
Why is there so much controversy over Native American mascots and nicknames?
Native American imagery in high school, college, and professional sports has sparked a widespread public debate with divergent viewpoints and opinions. Here at UND, there has been controversy over the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo at least since the early 1970s. There are a number of sources, easily available on the Internet, that provide differing views and information on the debate.
Why has the NCAA allowed some schools to retain Native American nicknames?
The NCAA created an exception to its general prohibition against displaying hostile and abusive Native American imagery at NCAA championship events. The NCAA applied the exception to exempt Florida State University’s Seminole nickname and logo, based on the approval of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the “namesake sovereign tribe.” The NCAA’s reasoning was that “the decision of a namesake sovereign tribe, regarding when and how its name and imagery can be used, must be respected even when others may not agree.” The NCAA made similar exceptions for Central Michigan University, Catawba College, Mississippi College, and the University of Utah.
Was there an opportunity to get “namesake approval” for the UND Fighting Sioux?
The NCAA settlement agreement provided “a period of time until November 30, 2010 . . . , to seek and obtain namesake approval for its nickname and related imagery” from the Spirit Lake Nation and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the two tribes identified by the NCAA as “namesake tribes.” The NCAA settlement required “clear and affirmative support” in writing by appropriate means under tribal law. The State Board of Higher Education, by resolution at its May 14, 2009 meeting, further required that the tribes’ namesake approval must “be binding upon the tribes for a period not less than thirty (30) years.” The NCAA settlement also noted that “[i]f the namesake exemption is completely repealed . . . then no school, including UND, will be entitled to the exemption.”
Why doesn’t the UND nickname and logo Web site provide more information about the controversy over Native American mascots and nicknames?
The debate over this issue is complex, with a broad range of opinions and perspectives, making it difficult to adequately capture the controversy on a single Web page. Importantly, the issue hits close to home at UND, and many of our students, staff, and faculty as well as our alumni and friends hold strong and heartfelt views about the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo. The purpose of UND’s nickname and logo Web page is to contribute to the University’s transition in a forward-looking way, with respect for the complexity of the issue and the deeply held perspectives of all of the members of our campus and larger communities.
The Transition
When does the retirement of the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo take effect?
At the direction of the State Board of Higher Education, UND began the transition in April 2010. During this transition, the University’s use of the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo will be phased out. Subject to the obligations of the NCAA Settlement Agreement, the customary use of the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo will be officially retired by the University after August 15, 2011, as required by the State Board’s directive and the NCAA settlement agreement.
How much is the transition costing UND?
It’s impossible to fully quantify the costs of the transition, just as it was not possible to fully quantify the costs of retaining the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo. Some costs are known, such as new athletic uniforms or new signs. Other costs are harder to predict, such as the range of marketing and public relations required to launch a new nickname and logo. And some significant costs are unquantifiable, such as the time and effort of UND faculty, staff, and administrators involved in the transition. The retirement of the customary use of the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo and the transition to a new nickname and logo is a momentous occasion in UND’s history and coincides with UND’s move to Division I as well as the University’s growing national and international reputation as an outstanding research university. We believe that the transition requires our best effort, and literally hundreds of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends are helping in the transition.
When will retailers have to stop selling Fighting Sioux merchandise?
As part of the transition process, UND will phase out the Fighting Sioux logo and the remaining inventory of merchandise and apparel. The University stopped approving new Fighting Sioux logo merchandise and apparel in October 2010. Licensed manufacturing of merchandise and apparel will end on June 30, 2011, though retailers are likely to carry and sell the merchandise beyond that date.
Will fans still be allowed to wear the Fighting Sioux logo on campus and to games?
Yes. The transition will not include any ban on wearing Fighting Sioux clothing. Those fans who choose to wear or display the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo are asked to do so in a manner that is respectful to Native Americans. We anticipate that fans will want to support our student athletes by wearing official team apparel, and we expect to see less and less of the Fighting Sioux branding at athletic events.
Will fans still be allowed to cheer for the Fighting Sioux at games?
Yes. The transition will not include any ban on informal fan cheers that refer to the Fighting Sioux. Those fans who choose to cheer the Fighting Sioux are asked to do so in a manner that is respectful to Native Americans. We anticipate that fans will want to support our student athletes by cheering for UND and North Dakota, and ultimately, for whatever logo and nickname the University chooses.
Does the transition require the complete removal of the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo from the campus?
No, however, one of the issues that will be addressed during the transition is whether the University can or should continue any use of the names “Fighting Sioux” or “Sioux” in relation to UND. The University has used the Sioux name in a variety of ways, most prominently in athletics. This issue has been assigned to the Honoring History and Tradition Task Group, which will carefully examine the issue and make recommendations and provide input to the Transition Officer and President Kelley about possible future use of the nickname and logo. The settlement agreement with the NCAA stipulates that the University must retain ownership of the nickname and logo, and the State Board of Higher Education’s May 2009 resolution directs UND “to undertake actions consistent with the Settlement Agreement to protect its intellectual property rights in the ‘Fighting Sioux’ nickname and mark,” both of which likely will require at least some continuing use of the nickname and logo. A link to information about the NCAA lawsuit and settlement (from the North Dakota Attorney General’s Web site) also is available at http://nickname.und.edu/logo.
What is the significance of the November 30, 2010 date?
The date is found in the NCAA settlement agreement. That section specifies in pertinent part that “UND will be provided a period of time until November 30, 2010 . . ., to seek and obtain namesake approval for its nickname and related imagery, during which time the [NCAA policy on schools’ use of Native American nicknames, mascots, and imagery] will not apply to UND and UND will not be restricted from hosting and bidding to host championship events for which it otherwise would be eligible to host.” The passing of the date indicates that the NCAA expects that the retirement of the nickname and logo will continue and be fully completed no later than August 15, 2011, as required by the settlement agreement.
What is the significance of the August 15, 2011 date?
After the date of August 15, 2011, the customary use of the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo will be retired by the University, as required by the State Board of Higher Education’s April 2010 directive and the NCAA settlement agreement.
Athletics
Will UND continue to hold athletic events at the Ralph Engelstad Arena and the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center?
Yes. There are no current plans to stop using the Ralph Engelstad Arena (REA) or the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center (“The Betty”) for UND athletic events. In order for UND to host NCAA championship events at the Alerus, the REA or “The Betty,” the facilities will have to comply with the terms of the NCAA settlement agreement. A link to information about the NCAA lawsuit and settlement (from the North Dakota Attorney General’s Web site) also is available at http://nickname.und.edu/logo.
Will the Ralph Engelstad Arena and the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center be required to remove all of the Fighting Sioux logos?
No. Under the settlement agreement, the facility can retain “imagery of independent historical significance,” which includes things like championship banners, photographs, and trophies, the Sitting Bull memorial statue, and dedication plaques. The settlement agreement also allows the facility to retain imagery “embedded in architecture,” meaning the granite logos in the floors of the REA. Some of the REA features with the nickname and logo must be replaced in the course of ordinary wear and tear; the settlement agreement allows things like carpeting, tile, and seating to be replaced when required. The University will work with the leadership of the REA and the NCAA to comply with the terms of the settlement agreement, as required by the State Board of Higher Education’s May 2009 resolution. A link to information about the NCAA lawsuit and settlement (from the North Dakota Attorney General’s Web site) also is available at
Is the Alerus going to remove the references to the Fighting Sioux in its venue?
Yes, the Alerus has agreed to remove the logos from its facility.
What will the UND athletic teams wear on their uniforms in 2011-2012?
After August 15, 2011, the University will officially retire the customary use of the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo, as required by the State Board of Higher Education’s directive and the NCAA settlement agreement. The University’s athletic teams will be called UND or “North Dakota,” and will use the current interlocking ND logo, the North Dakota logo, or the UND “flame” logo until a new nickname and logo are chosen by the University.
Were the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo factors in UND’s entry into the Big Sky Conference?
No. In October 2010, UND accepted an invitation to join the Big Sky Conference beginning with the 2012-13 academic year. UND will officially join the Big Sky on July 1, 2012, but began working immediately with the current membership on scheduling, marketing, and other conference matters. UND currently is in its third year of a four-year move from NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I status and had competed in the Great West Conference. UND will be eligible for NCAA Division I postseason competition when it completes the move to Division I status, which will coincide with the school’s entrance into the Big Sky Conference. UND will be able to compete in all 14 conference championships offered by the Big Sky Conference. Compliance with the NCAA settlement will affect UND’s ability to host NCAA championship events at the Alerus, the REA or “The Betty.”
A New Nickname and Logo?
Has UND chosen a new nickname and logo?
No. When the University starts the process of choosing a nickname and logo, there will be prominent public announcements about the process. A new nickname and logo will be chosen only after a careful and deliberate process.
How will a new nickname and logo be chosen?
UND will implement a transparent and inclusive transition process to establish new traditions and a new identity around which the entire University of North Dakota community can rally. The specific approach to choosing a new nickname and logo has not yet been developed. President Kelley will decide when and how to implement the process and, ultimately, will choose the University’s new nickname and logo.
When will a new nickname and logo be announced?
There is no timetable for announcing a new nickname and logo. UND is implementing a transparent and inclusive transition process to establish new traditions and a new identity around which the entire University of North Dakota community can rally. President Kelley has said that rather than rushing into a process for establishing a new identity, UND will appropriately retire the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo, allowing a suitable amount of time to recognize what has been an 80-year tradition here at the University of North Dakota.
What will be the University’s nickname and logo after Fighting Sioux is retired?
The University’s athletic teams will be called UND or “North Dakota,” and will use the current interlocking ND logo, the North Dakota logo, or the UND “flame” logo until a new nickname and logo are chosen by the University.
What are some of the issues that will be part of choosing a new nickname and logo?
Most importantly, any new nickname and logo should be ones that the entire University of North Dakota community can rally around and ones that let fans have fun in cheering our student athletes. The State Board of Higher Education’s May 2009 resolution provides that “[i]n the event a new nickname and logo are adopted by UND, they shall not violate the NCAA policy regarding Native American nicknames, mascots and imagery.” Issues related to team uniforms, trademark and copyright, marketing and merchandising, and University identity all will be part of the careful, deliberate, and public process of choosing a new nickname and logo.
How can I suggest my idea for a new nickname and logo?
When the process for choosing a new nickname and logo is implemented it will be announced to UND students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends.
