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ST. CLOUD STATE U N I V E R S I T Y Tradition of
excellence and opportunity |
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OFFICE OF THE
PRESIDENT |
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720
Fourth Avenue South St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498 Phone
(320) 255-2122 |
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March 15,
2001 |
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Patricia P. Cormier, Chair Division II Presidents Council National Collegiate Athletic Association P.O. Box 6222 Indianapolis, IN 46206 |
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Dear Ms. Cormier: |
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The enclosed draft proposal is for a resolution of support for the elimination of American Indian mascots, nicknames and logos by members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. It is my belief that the adaptation of this resolution by this leading organization of college and university athletics programs is in keeping with the mission and the values of your organization. |
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According to its mission statement and its stated values, the NCAA seeks to foster individual empowerment and personal well-being, to promote respect, communication and teamwork, and to encourage diversity. Those values are not served by the perpetuation of derogatory and stereotypical American Indian mascots, logos and nicknames as representatives of some of the organization's teams. Conceding to practices that make a segment of our students, faculty and staff uncomfortable about the degradation of their cultural heritage would seem to go against the organization's stated values. |
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In a recent letter to me and other chief executive officers of NCAA Division II member institutions, you stated that the "larger issues facing all the NCAA certainly will be:............... and (3) reflecting thoughtfully on the moral and ethical issues facing the Association, namely, the Confederate flag issue, sports gambling on the Internet and sportsmanship both on and off the field and the court" I feel strongly that the matter of American Indian mascots, logos and nicknames belongs among those other important issues. |
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On March 21, St Cloud State University will
host the Midwest Summit on
American Indian Mascots to explore the implications of Indian mascots and to
offer constructive methods of bringing about change. |
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I encourage you and the NCAA Division II Presidents Council to
consider the American Indian mascot issue in the near future. Thank you for
your attention to this matter. |
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A college sponsor of the National Merit Scholarship Program. TTI':
1-800-627-3529 SCSU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator
and employer. This material can be made available in an
alternative formal. Contact the department/agency listed above. |