OCR Text |
Show Indians see red, hide skins to Ute Because of this decision the Department of Athletics w longer refer to any of the athlet e "representing the Un.ve,,tV as "Redskins." Instead the term ?Utes" will be used in its place as mmmV IT"" " '' ' 508 There is a growing concern among many colleges and universities concerning the use ot mascots and school nicknames. This concern is especially prevelant among schools whose names represent some sort of Indian symbol, i.e. Braves, Warriors, Chieftans, and yes, sports fans, even Redskins. Stanford University, formerly known as the Indians, is now suffering through the legal hassels of several law suits because of the use of that name. Other universities with similar nicknames are also involved in court actions. When most schools chose an Indian symbol as their mascot it was intended to be an honor. It was intended to convey a tribute to the Indian legend. What the - legend is is questionable, according ac-cording to those that oppose the use of these names. But whatever . it is the Indian groups that are taking action against these schools feel that it isn't conducive con-ducive to the plight of the American Indian today. Many of the schools with Indian nicknames are just ignoring this problem and hoping that those Indians that are against this will disappear or go back to the reservation, or something. However, the University is not one of these. Officials of the administration and the Department of Athletics have met with representatives of the Indians on campus concerning con-cerning the continued use of Redskins by University athletic teams. Their conclusion was that the term Redskins is offensive. this term has been found not to offend anybody, even the Ute Tribe. The name change was bound to come sooner or later. It is a credit to the University and more specifically the Department of Athletics that this change has taken place now before the trouble that has already hit Stanford and other campuses hit here. This move will mean that sportswriters will have to give up their old cliches, such as "Runnin' Redskins," but with any luck they will come up with some new ones. For a starter, how about " 'Yumpin' Utes"? |