Posted on 08/23/2005 5:56:57 PM PDT by 11th_VA
Seminoles they will stay.
The Florida State University athletic department celebrated a major victory on Tuesday when the NCAA announced it had removed FSU from its list of universities subject to restrictions on the use of Native American mascots and nicknames.
Earlier this month, the NCAA told FSU and 17 other schools that their use of a Native American mascot and nickname was inappropriate, and that mascots deemed ''hostile or abusive'' would be prohibited from appearing on team uniforms during NCAA-sanctioned tournaments beginning in February 2006.
FSU president T.K. Wetherell threatened legal action. The school appealed the NCAA ruling on the grounds that its six-decade relationship with the Seminole Tribe of Florida was one of mutual respect, so much so that the tribe in June passed a unanimous proclamation offering its endorsement of FSU's nickname and mascot, Chief Osceola.
The NCAA, upon review, decided to scratch FSU from its list.
''The NCAA Executive Committee continues to believe the stereotyping of Native Americans is wrong,'' read an NCAA statement from Bernard Franklin, VP for Governance/membership. ``However, in its review of the particular circumstances regarding Florida State, the staff review committee noted the unique relationship between the university and the Seminole Tribe of Florida as a significant factor.
``The NCAA recognizes the many different points of view on this matter, particularly within the Native American community. 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.''
Andy Haggard, a Coral Gables attorney and vice chair of the FSU Board of Trustees, was thrilled with the news.
''The NCAA showed great wisdom,'' Haggard said by phone from Daytona Beach, where he was involved in a trial. ``We never should have been included in that list. It should never have come to this. But I'm extremely happy with the final result. I can see banning names like Savages or Redskins, but Seminole is completely different. The NCAA is finally treating the Seminole tribe with the dignity they deserve.''
Among the other school still on the list are the University of Illinois (Illini), University of Utah (Utes), and Central Michigan (Chippewas).
''The NCAA position on the use of Native American mascots, names and imagery has not changed, and the NCAA remains committed to ensuring an atmosphere of respect and sensitivity for all who participate in and attend our championships,'' read the statement. ``This decision applies to the unique relationship Florida State University has with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Requests for reviews from other institutions will be handled on a case-by-case basis.''
And FSU has a little more clout than the University of Illinois (Illini), University of Utah (Utes), and Central Michigan (Chippewas).
Indeed. And I hope all the remaining colleges on the list threaten legal action just as seriously. It's time the anti-Free Speech Leftists were given the smackdown they deserve and cowed for another hundred years.
How the heck is it a sign of "wisdom" to announce a unilateral decision against a school, threaten that school with all manner of penalties, have your lawyers tell you that your rear end is about to become dog food, and then reverse your decision in the face of a lawsuit?
That's not "wisdom", that's kowtowing (thought it's the right decision in the end).
But, the fighin' pansies has such a ring to it.
There are SO MANY other problems the NCAA should address...this issue was a joke and it seems that level heads are winning out...but for the wrong reason (legal threats).
San Francisco State was on the list???
I have a much better idea --- BAN the NCAA!
The Coushatta Casino in Kinder, Louisiana is an Indian
casino. Who named it? Why aren't they screaming about
discrimination? This whole thing about teams with Indian names is baloney. It's an honor bestowed upon them. I'm sick of hearing about it.
My son-in-law is a Blackfoot. He works at U of I and would get out there and do the Chief's dance himself if they'd let him. He doesn't get the problem. He says the Indians should be proud to be known as He-Men and not mama boys.
The threat of legal action by FSU may not have had much to do with it, but the looming threat of legal action by the Seminole tribe would have been more than the NCAA could stomach. Just imagine the NCAA getting sued by the Seminole tribe for racist interference in the tribe's relationship with the school, and in the tribe-authorized use of the tribe's name in interstate commerce. That would have been a doozy of a court battle.
Our HS was the "Tornado". I was always jealous of our cross state rivals with their neat Indian gear and infamous "war drum" section in their band.
If the Illini (or other such team) decide to kowtow to the NCAA, they should rename themselves the "CENSORED", with their team uniform design being a big black "CENSORED" sticker where the Illini insignia used to be. Or will the NCAA declare that to somehow be an offensive name?
I don't get it either. Why would anyone give what they consider a "demeaning" name to their football team? Clearly the reason for naming a team after an Indian chief or tribe is admiration, not scorn.
What a bunch of hogwash.
Me thinks a little wampum changed hands here.
I'd say it beats being swept under the rug and forgotten according to the dictates of "PC-Respect."
I want my reparations. (4 seats in ND Stadium together 15 rows up on the 50 yd. line for life would probably do it.)
They buckled under pressure. Certainly had nothing to do with the fact that it was an idiot idea to begin with.
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