NCAA Executive Committee Subcommittee on Gender and Diversity Issues Report on

References to American Indians in Intercollegiate Athletics

August 2005

Background/History

During its April 2001 meeting, the NCAA Executive Committee reviewed correspondence regarding the use of American Indian mascots, nicknames and logos by NCAA member institutions. While the issue of American Indian mascots and images in college athletics has been the subject of discussion for the past five years, three recent events prompted the Executive Committee’s discussion:

1. The Executive Committee’s detailed review of issues related to the Confederate Battle Flag and its resulting criteria for evaluating NCAA predetermined championship sites. The criteria include, in part, “the ability of a site to promote an atmosphere of respect for and sensitivity to the dignity of every person.”

2. St. Cloud State University President Roy Saigo’s request to the Executive Committee to consider a resolution stating the NCAA does not condone the use of Native American logos and nicknames.

3. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights’ Statement on the use of Native American images and nicknames as sports symbols, stating in part, “Schools should not use their influence to perpetuate misrepresentations of any culture or people. Stereotypes of American Indians teach all students that stereotyping of minority groups is acceptable, a dangerous lesson in a diverse society.”

The Executive Committee referred the review of the issue of eliminating the use of American Indian mascots, nicknames and logos by members of the NCAA to the Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee (MOIC) and the Executive Committee Subcommittee on Gender and Diversity Issues.

The MOIC reviewed and discussed this issue during its July 2001, October 2002 and June 2005 meetings. In preparation for its discussion, the committee reviewed a variety of materials, including the NCAA Constitution, self-evaluations from 33 member institutions, letters and emails from members of the American Indian community, and varied articles and publications. In 2002, the Executive Committee asked MOIC to evaluate institutions that currently possess American Indian mascots, nickname or imagery. In November 2004, the staff provided 33 institutions with a self-evaluation study that will provide each institution and the committee a detailed review of this issue on each campus. A summary of the institutional responses to the self-evaluations is included in this report.

2005 MOIC Review of Institutional Self-Evaluations

No further Review

After reviewing the self-evaluations, there were several institutions that no longer have any references to Native Americans in their athletics programs. These institutions are:

· California State-Stanislaus University

· Lycoming College

· Winona State University

· Hawaii-Manoa University

· Eastern Connecticut State University

· East Stroudsburg University

· Husson College

· Merrimack College

· Southeast Missouri State University

· State University of West Georgia

· Stonehill College

· San Diego State University

· Wisconsin Lutheran College

These institutions either removed all references to Native American culture or never had Native American culture as a part of their athletics programs. The staff informed these institutions that there would be no further review by the NCAA regarding Native American mascots, nicknames and/or imagery in their athletics programs.

Sanctioned by the Native Americans in their Community

There were several institutions with documented outreach to Native American communities in their local areas. These institutions are:

· Alcorn State University (Braves)

· Central Michigan University (Chippewas)

· Catawba College (Indians)

· Florida State University (Seminoles)

· Midwestern State University (Indians)

· University of Utah (Utes)

· University of North Carolina-Pembroke (Braves)*

These institutions provided the staff with detailed information of their outreach to various Native American communities near their campus. With regard to the University of North Carolina-Pembroke, several members of the Native American community are active members of their board of trustees. Although there are no historically Native American/American Indian colleges or universities (similar to Historically Black Colleges and Universities), there is substantial evidence that UNC – Pembroke was founded as a school for Native Americans (founded as the Croatan Normal School to educate Native American teachers) and has been a part of the Native American community for 118 years. The MOIC noted that UNC – Pembroke has a total enrollment of 5,027, which is 21% Native American and 24% African-American. Based on their foundation, history, and continuous union with the Native American community not only as students but also as member of the board of trustees, the MOIC determined that UNC – Pembroke’s use of “Braves” was appropriate. No other institution was able to demonstrate that their use of Native American mascots, nicknames or imagery was a direct result of the self-determination of Native Americans attending and associated with their institutions.

With regard to the other institutions in this section, the staff received several written responses from numerous Native American organizations, tribes, interest groups, and individuals stating their opposition to the use of Native American culture in their athletics programs. Although several of these institutions have reached out to Native Americans in their local communities, several Native Americans in and outside of those communities are opposed to the use of Native American culture in intercollegiate athletics.

Nickname with and without Imagery

Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) decided to change their mascot from an “Indian” to a bear named “Cherokee.” IUP determined that they would retain their “Indians” nickname and noted that although their athletics teams are referred to as the “Indians,” there is no Native American Imagery associated with the nickname.

Bradley University (Braves) and Carthage College (Redmen) decided to maintain their nicknames and Native American imagery (feather) as a part of their athletics programs. These institutions noted that over the years, there were several reviews of their use of Native American culture on their campus. Based on these reviews, these institutions implemented new logos and mascots that have very little reference to Native American culture. Both institutions are aware that the use of a feather in conjunction with their nicknames may be viewed as a specific reference to Native American culture. It is important to note that neither of these institutions has a Native American mascot. Bradley University has had some contact with the Native American community in their area, which resulted in various changes to Native American references during the 1990s. Carthage College did not specify any outreach to the Native American community in their self-evaluation.

No Change and Broad Response

There were several institutions that provided very broad responses in their self-evaluations and/or indicated that their institution is not considering changing any references to Native American culture in intercollegiate athletics. These institutions are:

· Arkansas State University (Indians)

· Chowan College (Braves)

· University of Illinois-Champaign (Illini)

· University of Louisiana- Monroe (Indians)

· McMurry University (Indians)

· Mississippi College (Choctaws)

· Newberry College (Indians)

· University of North Dakota (Fighting Sioux)

· Southeastern Oklahoma State University (Savages)

The staff notes that although Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SOSU) does not currently have any specific references to Native Americans in their athletics nickname, logo or mascot, SOSU officials acknowledge that their band (The Marching Savages) plays “The Chop” at athletics events and fans stand to participate in the “chop.” Also, a “lance” and “spear” appear on the back of the visitor’s press box inside the football stadium in addition to the athletics weight room. Further, the institution has two residence halls named after Native American tribes, Choctaw and Chickasaw Residence Halls, which are known as the “Savage Towers.”

The staff notes that the other institutions in this category have substantial references to Native American culture in name and imagery. Although some of these institutions reached out to the Native American communities near their campus, the staff received substantial written opposition to the use of Native American culture at some of these institutions. It is important to note that the self-evaluation responses from these institutions were not similar. Specifically, some institutions provided minimal information, whereas other institutions provided the staff with substantial information. However, all of these institutions indicated that based on their research, the use of Native American culture at their institution was to honor Native American culture. In addition, the reasons for not considering any changes varied from institution; however, all of these institutions stated that there would be no change to any Native American references in their athletics programs in the near future.

Extensions

One institution was granted an extension in order to complete the self-evaluation. This institution is:

· The College of William & Mary (The Tribe)

NCAA Authority

The MOIC noted that several articles of the NCAA Constitution directly speak to the usage of racial/ethnic/national origin mascots, nicknames or imagery in intercollegiate athletics. These articles are:

1. Constitution, Article 2.2.2 – Cultural Diversity and Gender Equity:

It is the responsibility of each member institution to establish and maintain an environment that values cultural diversity and gender equity among its student-athletes and intercollegiate athletics department staff.

2. Constitution, Article 2.4 – The Principle of Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct:

For intercollegiate athletics to promote the character development of participants, to enhance the integrity of higher education and to promote civility in society, student-athletes, coaches, and all others associated with these athletics programs and events should adhere to such fundamental values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty and responsibility. These values should be manifest not only in athletics participation but also in the broad spectrum of activities affecting the athletics program.

3. Constitution, Article 2.6 – The Principle of Nondiscrimination:

The Association shall promote an atmosphere of respect for and sensitivity to the dignity of every person. It is the policy of the Association to refrain from discrimination with respect to its governance policies, educational programs, activities and employment practices.

The committee believes institutions currently using American Indian mascots, nicknames, and symbols often do so as part of an honored and revered college tradition, established to emulate noble qualities of American Indian people and their culture, such as courage, dignity, strength and loyalty. Often the intent in using American Indian mascots, nicknames and logos in intercollegiate athletics is to honor these people and the culture. However, many institutions that have retired American Indian mascots, nicknames and logos have indicated the need for change stemmed from a recognition that an inappropriate negative reference was extended to an entire group of people. Institutions noted the clear intentions to honor Native people were inconsistent with the expressed concerns of American Indians, as well as community and campus representatives.

Based on the specific core values delineated in the NCAA Constitution and the information the staff has received on this issue, the MOIC strongly discourages the use of racial/ethnic/national origin mascots, nicknames or imagery in intercollegiate athletics.

The Executive Committee Subcommittee on Gender and Diversity Issues recommends that the Executive Committee adopt the following:

Gender and Diversity Issues Recommendations

The NCAA objects to institutions using racial/ethnic/national origin references in their intercollegiate athletics programs. Several institutions have made changes that adhere to the core values of the NCAA Constitution pertaining to cultural diversity, ethical sportsmanship and nondiscrimination. All institutions are encouraged to promote these core values and take proactive steps at every NCAA event through institutional event management to enhance the integrity of intercollegiate athletics related to these issues.

These issues are very complex and institutions need to retain institutional autonomy to address this issue. While the NCAA understands institutional autonomy is necessary in order to adhere to the mission of the NCAA, the Association has a duty to address actions and behaviors that are not consistent with core values and principles of the NCAA Constitution. Therefore, it is the responsibility of everyone associated with an athletics program and event, including student-athletes, fans and coaches, to maintain an environment that promotes an atmosphere of respect for and sensitivity to the dignity of every person.

There are certain events in intercollegiate athletics, such as NCAA championship competition, that are more of a public forum rather than home contests. Therefore, for those institutions that choose not to remove all references to Native American culture (with NCAA approved exclusions), the NCAA recommends the following courses of action:

Championships:

1. Institutions with hostile or abusive racial/ethnic/national origin mascots, nicknames or imagery will be prohibited from hosting any NCAA national championship competition.

2. Institutions with hostile or abusive racial/ethnic/national origin mascots, nicknames or imagery must take reasonable steps to cover up any of these references at any predetermined NCAA championship competition site that has been previously awarded. The financial responsibility to take reasonable steps rests on each institution and these reasonable steps must be taken in timely manner.

3. Institutions displaying or promoting hostile or abusive racial/ethnic/national origin references on their mascots, cheerleaders, dance teams, and band member uniforms or paraphernalia are prohibited from wearing this material at an NCAA championship competition site. In order for institutions to fully comply with this recommendation, the effective date should be August 1, 2008.

4. Institutions with student-athletes wearing uniforms or paraphernalia with hostile or abusive racial/ethnic/national origin references must ensure that those uniforms or paraphernalia are not worn during NCAA championship competition. This recommendation should be effective immediately.

Non-Championship (Best Practices):

Institutions that continue to use hostile or abusive racial/ethnic/national origin mascots, nicknames or imagery are encouraged to take steps to improve the environment and climate where they compete. The NCAA noted several courses of action that are listed below as “Best Practices” for institutions to implement.

1. Model specific institutions. The committee strongly recommends that institutions follow the examples of institutions that do not support the use of Native American mascots or imagery such as the University of Iowa and the University of Wisconsin. These two institutions do not schedule regular-season, non-conference competition with institutions that use Native American nicknames, mascots or imagery.

2. NCAA publications. Institutions should design their publications and campus materials in a manner that removes all hostile or abusive racial/ethnic/national origin references. The subcommittee noted that this is the current policy of the NCAA National Office.

3. Education/Appreciation/Outreach. It is important to note that the purpose of education and outreach is to provide institutions with an opportunity to disengage from the use of racial/ethnic/national origin mascots, nicknames or imagery in the near future. The NCAA urged institutions to place an emphasis on understanding and awareness of the negative impact of hostile or abusive symbols, names and imagery. Further, institutions are encouraged to create a greater level of understanding and knowledge of Native American culture. Outreach to Native American tribes, organizations and students or faculty in their local areas is a start. However, further outreach beyond an institution’s local area may be necessary in order to obtain a greater understanding and awareness of

4. issues that concern the Native American community. In addition, the subcommittee suggested initiatives that would educate the membership via public service announcements and posters. The subcommittee also noted that the NCAA’s “On-Campus” television show could possibly be used to initiate education and outreach.

5. Conference-level collaboration. The subcommittee recommended that institutions develop a partnership with conference offices in order to address this issue at the institutional level, as well as with the media. The subcommittee suggested institutions include this issue on their conference meeting agenda in order to discuss ways to improve their relationship with the Native American Community and educate member institutions.

Committee Chair: Clinton Bristow, Jr., Alcorn State University

Staff Liaisons: Ronald J. Stratten, Education Services; and

Rosie Stallman, Education Services.