Posted on 10/27/2005 1:57:25 PM PDT by aomagrat
Newberry College president Dr. Mitchell Zais on Wednesday said the NCAA’s decision to bar the school from hosting postseason events and bear its Native American nickname on uniforms was “unjust, coercive and perhaps illegal.”
The school can participate in postseason events as long as its nickname, the Indian face or the arrowhead spear are not displayed in any form.
“We are disappointed in this unjust, coercive and perhaps illegal ruling from the NCAA,” Zais said as a part of the school’s formal response to the NCAA’s ruling. “We are sorry that the NCAA feels that Newberry is unfit to host postseason play because of a nickname that our athletic teams have borne for nearly a century.”
That said, Zais reiterated the school would stand firm despite the ban.
“Newberry College has no intention of changing its nickname,” Zais said. “Changing at this time would indicate that we did not truly believe in the validity of our appeal, or that our moral compass was subject to be swayed by the collective opinion of the NCAA Executive Council.”
On Aug. 4, the NCAA released a list of schools whose Native American nicknames were deemed offensive and barred those schools from displaying related nicknames and logos during postseason events. Several of the programs, such as the Florida State Seminoles, received a waiver upon appeal because Native American tribes portrayed in their logos had given consent.
In its Sept. 12 appeal, Newberry argued that its nickname, first used in 1901, “honors the history and culture of the American Indian, his bravery and tenacity in battle.”
To back its case, the school referred to a Harris Research poll that indicated 81 percent of Native Americans support the use of “Indian” nicknames in high school and college athletics.
On Tuesday, the NCAA rejected Newberry’s argument, stating it “misses the point because it values intent over effect.”
Newberry uniforms do not depict the “Indians” nickname or any other marks the NCAA deemed offensive, but the use of the arrowhead spear and other marks are ubiquitous around campus and on related sporting-goods apparel.
The ban on hosting postseason activities will take effect in March unless the school changes its nickname.
“I don’t foresee anything that could change it,” Newberry athletic director Andy Carter said. “The NCAA says we have nobody speaking on our behalf, but that’s part of the problem. Nobody specifically has said that the Newberry Indians is offensive, either.”
Another South Atlantic Conference member, Catawba, shares the Indians nickname and is under the same ban. School officials have said they will file an appeal as soon as its fact-finding commission has finished its study. The major difference between Newberry and Catawba is the existence of the Catawba tribe.
Hooray! Take a stand against PC BS!
Impeach Miles Brand!
We should contact the school and let them know they are supported.
"To back its case, the school referred to a Harris Research poll that indicated 81 percent of Native Americans support the use of “Indian” nicknames in high school and college athletics.
On Tuesday, the NCAA rejected Newberry’s argument, stating it “misses the point because it values intent over effect.” "
But if 81 percent of native Americans approve, how bad can the effect be. Anyway, they should just change their name to "The Fightin' Whities" and be done with it.
Disband the NCAA
To heck with the NCAA. Change the name to the
"Fighting 7th Cavalry".
In the meantime, bully for Newberry for taking a stand against Miles Brand and his politically correct lunacy.
"NCAA rejected Newberry’s argument, stating it “misses the point because it values intent over effect.” "
The NCAA misses the point and values PC and warm fuzzy commie feelings over logic and reason!
>> To heck with the NCAA. Change the name to the
"Fighting 7th Cavalry". <<
Excellent!
Or, how about the "Buffalo Soldiers"?
I hate Myles Brand.
The following is all you need to know about Myles Brand. I hate Myles Brand.
In a commencement titled entitled “Making a Moral Difference” at Atlanta’s Oglethorpe University in 2003, Myles Brand, who had just assumed the role of president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association quoted Jane Addams, the American agent of social change in the early 20th century. He read, “To attain individual morality in an age of demanding social morality, to pride one’s self on the results of personal effort when the time demands social adjustment, is utterly to fail to apprehend the situation.”
He went on to quote socialist and supporter of women’s suffrage, Mary Heaton Vorse, who said in her book A Footnote to Folly: “When a new idea assaults the power of established authority, authority always screams out that morality has been affronted. It makes no difference if this idea is that the world is round or that women should vote or that the workers should control industry.”
My Scottish and Irish ancestors chipped flint to make arrowheads and spear points. Of course they abandoned such practice a good bit before the 19th century...
Good for Newberry! BTW, Cleveland is phasing out what is, arguably the most recognizable team mascot in America- the venerable Chief Wahoo. Actually, all they need to do is get rid of the feather and put a dot on his forehead and they'd be good to go.
I couldn't find the "nickname" anywhere in the article. Is it really that bad? < sarcasm >
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