Spring Break
Debate & controversy
There is light surrounding the Fighting Sioux logo issue - and it might come sooner than originally expected.
Ryan Johnson
Issue date: 9/19/08 Section: News
Seeking support
In his interview with the Grand Forks Herald, Goetz said that tribal chairs had indicated to him in meetings that they were not going to change their stance of opposition to the logo and nickname.
This means that if they don't approve of the name before November 2010, the university will need to change the logo or face consequences by the NCAA.
Kelley said that it has become clear that continued meetings with tribal leaders will not gain their approval. He added that out of respect, the state and university will eventually need to accept their decision.
"I think at some point you have to recognize that you've had an answer," he said. "You don't keep going back saying let's keep talking about this until I get the answer that I think I want."
UND's future
Goetz also said in the interview that "all parties need to understand there will be some type of a transition." According to Kelley, whatever changes take place will require an attempt at being an inclusive step forward for the university.
He said that even if the nickname changes, it will still be a part of UND's history. "We are what we are, and we will be what we will be," he said. "If our traditions do evolve, that doesn't mean that we forget our history."
Kelley added that his role in the transition will be to ensure that everything goes smoothly in the midst of changes.
"I feel like my job depending on what the state board does is to provide leadership for the university so that all of us can move forward together, so that we come out of this strong together as a university community," he said.
He said that it will also be important for students and other groups to have some say in the changes.
"Clearly students have to have a strong voice in what we look like going forward, as do faculty and members of our community and all the different groups within our student body," he said. "I think all of us would like to have some place at the table as we decide our future, and part of my job will be to ensure that that happens."
In his interview with the Grand Forks Herald, Goetz said that tribal chairs had indicated to him in meetings that they were not going to change their stance of opposition to the logo and nickname.
This means that if they don't approve of the name before November 2010, the university will need to change the logo or face consequences by the NCAA.
Kelley said that it has become clear that continued meetings with tribal leaders will not gain their approval. He added that out of respect, the state and university will eventually need to accept their decision.
"I think at some point you have to recognize that you've had an answer," he said. "You don't keep going back saying let's keep talking about this until I get the answer that I think I want."
UND's future
Goetz also said in the interview that "all parties need to understand there will be some type of a transition." According to Kelley, whatever changes take place will require an attempt at being an inclusive step forward for the university.
He said that even if the nickname changes, it will still be a part of UND's history. "We are what we are, and we will be what we will be," he said. "If our traditions do evolve, that doesn't mean that we forget our history."
Kelley added that his role in the transition will be to ensure that everything goes smoothly in the midst of changes.
"I feel like my job depending on what the state board does is to provide leadership for the university so that all of us can move forward together, so that we come out of this strong together as a university community," he said.
He said that it will also be important for students and other groups to have some say in the changes.
"Clearly students have to have a strong voice in what we look like going forward, as do faculty and members of our community and all the different groups within our student body," he said. "I think all of us would like to have some place at the table as we decide our future, and part of my job will be to ensure that that happens."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
brian boehm
posted 10/10/08 @ 12:27 PM CST
I think this is rediculous. In the past, one of the Sioux tribes had said that the Sioux are still fighting;for rights; and that the nickname was not offensive. (Continued…)
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