COMMITTEE ON SPORTSMANSHIP AND ETHICAL CONDUCT Position on: The Use of Native American Mascots and Imagery

The Committee on Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct (CS&EC) believes that the use of nicknames, mascots, logos, or other imagery that depicts Native Americans or their heritage in a manner that is offensive to Native Americans and is contrary to the committee's mission and NCAA Constitution 2.4. The committee believes strongly that intercollegiate athletic activities should be conducted in an environment that fosters respect, fairness, civility, honesty, and responsibility for all student athletes, coaches, fans and others associated with the activity.

Thus, the committee urges all NCAA members, in the spirit of fairness and civility, to cease these practices. However, the committee recognizes that such issues may be addressed most effectively by the individual institution, its community and its conference, rather than at the national Ievel."

NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

DIVISION I CHAMPIONSHIPS/COMPETITION CABINET

POSITION ON THE USE OF AMERICAN INDIAN MASCOTS IN

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Members of the NCAA Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet believe that it is inappropriate to discriminate against any individual on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, national origin, race, religion, creed or sexual orientation. Further, members of the cabinet believe that institutions, with absolute conviction, should support the dignity and welfare of all individuals. Pursuant to NCAA Constitution 2.6, it is the responsibility of each institution to determine independently its own policy regarding nondiscrimination. However, members of the cabinet believe that institutions should be encouraged to review their situations and ensure that their actions and policies are not contrary to the aforementioned cabinet's statements on nondiscrimination.

The cabinet is committed to the creation and preservation of quality championship opportunities for all student-athletes, regardless of their age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, national origin, race, religion, creed or sexual orientation. Hence, subject to review by the NCAA Division I Board of Directors and the NCAA Executive Committee, as appropriate, it is the position of the cabinet that access to or the location of NCAA championship events should not be restricted because of issues related to the use by institutions of American Indian mascots or images.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association

September 11, 2002 DWS:jsl

P.O. Box 6222

Indianapolis, Indiana 46206

Telephone: 317/917-6222

Shipping/Overnight Address: 1802 Alonzo Watford Sr. Drive Indianapolis, Indiana 46202

www.ncaa.org

May 8, 2002

Ms. Rochelle M. Collins

Director of Professional Development NCAA

P.O. Box 6222

Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-6222

Dear Ms. Collins:

This is in response to your March 21 memorandum to the Division II Championships Committee regarding the Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee's review of the use of American Indian mascots, nicknames and logos by NCAA member institutions.

The championships committee applauds the MOIC for evaluating this issue. The committee recognizes that there are various opinions with regard to the merits of this debate; however, it was the sentiment of the championships committee that the issue be reviewed.

After discussing the information provided in the memorandum and other supporting documents, the championships committee believes that several other factors should also be considered. The committee feels that one important factor is how these images affect spectators of intercollegiate athletic events.

The committee encourages the MOIC to examine not only the use of American Indian mascots, nicknames and logos, but also the activities and fan response to these symbols. In addition, if these policies are not adhered to what, if any, penalties would institutions incur? The committee would not advocate a policy that would prevent or eliminate championship opportunities for those institutions continuing the practice of using mascots, nicknames and logos as long as the activities and graphics are not disrespectful to any group.

The committee supports a position that encourages and promotes an atmosphere of respect for and sensitivity to the dignity of every person.

Best regards,

Ed Harris

Ed Harris, interim chair

Division II Championships Committee

EH:drf

National

Collegiate

Association

Athletic

An association of more than 1,200 members serving the student-athlete Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Collins, Rochelle

From:

_ Sent:

T0:

Cc:

Subject:

Pohl, Chris

Tuesday, May 07,2002 11 :21 AM

Collins, Rochelle

'Bankston, Brad'; Williams, Jonathan; 'Argo, Steve'; 'Campbell, Amy'; 'Coffey, Suzanne'; 'Enge, William'; 'Flucker, Jamie'; 'Gunning, Mary Jo'; 'Wallo, Steve'; 'Walker, Chris'; Sweet, Judith; Dutcher, Dan; Belgiovine, Bridget

Native America Mascots

Hey Rochelle:

> > > > >

> 1. It supports the continued study of the issue as it relates to the

> implications for the championships program and participating

> student-athletes. It believes that the focus of the study should be based > on the NCAA's principles of the appropriate environment for championship > participants, among other foundational principles, and appropriate behaviors

> of people around the issue.

>

> 2. Secondly, it also initially believes that the selection or use of Native

> American mascots falls within the realm of institutional autonomy and may > not be an issue within the purview of the Association.

>

> We hope this is helpful and please let me know if there is anything else you

._ need.

The Division III Championships Committee, as requested by the MOIC, discussed the issue of the use of Native American mascots and provides the following feedback:

Chris

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