The NCAA has recently banned the use of Native American mascots and imagery that they deem abusive and hostile. Starting February 1, 2006, with any NCAA tournament, they will not allow nicknames or mascots that they consider abusive or hostile on team uniforms or other clothing such as cheerleading and band uniforms. The new rule covers about 18 college teams including the Florida State University Seminole.
Who is Affected?
Major college football teams will not be affected by the new rule because they don't have a NCAA Division I-A tournament or playoff, but still the NCAA plans to ban schools using Native American nicknames from hosting post season events.
When Ruling Goes in Effect
"The NCAA objects to institutions using racial/ethnic/national origin references in their intercollegiate athletics programs," said NCAA President Myles Brand. Any college displaying or promoting hostile or abusive references on their mascots, cheerleaders, dance teams and band uniforms or paraphernalia are prohibited from wearing the material at NCAA championships, beginning on August 1, 2008.
Controversy Over Ruling
The new ruling has caused quite an uproar and debate. While some Native American tribes support the NCAA decision and even say it doesn't go far enough, a lot of tribes disagree. FSU has threatened legal action to preserve their name, Seminole, since they have the approval and support of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr., said the NCAA's decision doesn't matter. "Personally, it doesn't really offend me, I haven't really given much thought to it."
Response to Ruling
In February of 2007, the University of Illinois decided to do away with their mascot, Chief Illiniwek. For over 20 years they have had pressure from activists who thought the University's mascot was offensive. And more pressure came from the NCAA in 2005 when they banned the University of Illinois from hosting post season tournaments. The NCAA considered Illiniwek, a mascot since 1926, a distasteful portrayal of Native American Indians. The University cratered to the demands and decided to do away with Illiniwek and his performances. Dan Maloney, a graduate student, did the last performance of Illiniwek in front of students and fans at a men's basketball game.
Your Opinion
So, what do you think? Do you feel that names like the Indians, Warriors and Braves are offensive and demeaning to Native Americans? Or do you think we're trying too hard not to offend anyone and to be politically correct? Are we now looking at every small thing to see how it might be offensive and not seeing the big picture. Some of these schools are steeped in tradition and their mascots are part of that. They are proud to associated with Native Americans and their heritage. Are brave warriors displayed at games demeaning?
I don't have the answers, but I think that before the NCAA decided to ban these mascots they should asked the schools to contact Native Americans in their areas and get their response. I don't feel like the NCAA should make a broad assumption on this subject and concluded it was offensive to everyone. I think the ultimate decision should be up to the institutions, Native Americans and not the NCAA. Will the next ban be on pirates or even animal mascots?
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