NCAA MINORITY OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERESTS COMMITTEE (MOIC)

Summary of Recommendations

PRESIDENTS COUNCIL ACTION ITEM

ISSUE:		Report on the Use of American Indian Mascots in Intercollegiate Athletics. [Attachment]
Committee Recommendation:
	Review the report and the specific recommendations related to three areas ? NCAA member institutions, NCAA conference offices and Association ? and provide input to the Executive Committee for its April 2003 meeting. NCAA Member Institutions a. Require institutions currently using American Indian mascots to complete a self-analysis checklist to determine if the depiction of the mascot, nickname, logo, or behaviors can be viewed as offensive. Components of the Self-Analysis Checklist will Include: (1) Adherence to NCAA Constitution Article 2.2.2, 2.4 and 2.6. (2) Efforts to assess behavior of the mascot, cheerleaders, band members, and fans and the relevance of symbols. (3) Efforts to educate athletic audiences on the specific tribe or American Indians generally. (4) Efforts to recruit and retain American Indian coaching and administrative staff as well as university faculty and staff. (5) Educational programs on Native American history and culture for students. (6) Efforts to educate staff, fans, and spectators on sportsmanship related to mascots. (7) Efforts to provide outreach to the American Indian community. b. Require the self-analysis be conducted through a broad-base review including representatives from the department of athletics, faculty and staff, community, student-athletes, conference office and local American Indian tribes or community members. c. Require the self-analysis must be submitted as part of the certification process for Division I institutions or the self-assessment process for Division II and Division III institutions (legislative action required).

Management Council Action:
	Endorsed the recommendation and forwarded it to the Membership Committee for review and input prior to the April 2003 meeting of the Management Council.
Presidents Council Action:
	Endorsed the recommendation, noting its support of institutional self-analysis.
Committee Recommendation:
	NCAA Conference Offices a. Require NCAA conferences with institutions using American Indian mascots or nicknames to review policies regarding contests. Policies to be reviewed should include championships, sportsmanship, etc. b. Require conferences with institutions using American Indian mascots or nicknames to complete a self-analysis checklist for conference championship venues and host institutions. Self-analysis checklist to include: (1) Adherence to NCAA Constitution Articles 2.2.2, 2.4 and 2.6. (2) Efforts to assess behavior of the mascot, cheerleaders, band members and fans and the relevance of symbols. (3) Efforts to educate staff, fans, and spectators on sportsmanship related to mascots.
Management Council Action:
	Endorsed the recommendation and forwarded it to the Membership Committee for review and input prior to the April 2003 meeting of the Management Council.
Presidents Council Action:
	Endorsed the recommendation, noting its support of conference self-analysis.
Committee Recommendation:
	Association a. Continue to monitor the use of American Indian mascots, nicknames, logos and behaviors, including the periodic monitoring of the self-analysis checklists. b. Establish criteria for NCAA championships sites and venues that include the review of the visibility of American Indian mascots, logos and symbols. c. Establish criteria for institutions participating in NCAA championship events to ensure adherence to NCAA Constitution Articles 2.2.2, 2.4 and 2.6. d. Eliminate references to American Indian mascot names, nicknames, and logos in NCAA publications and announcements.
Management Council Action:
	Endorsed the recommendation and forwarded it to the Championships Committee for review and input prior to the April 2003 meeting of the Management Council.
Presidents Council Action:
	The Council noted that the Membership Committee should consider broadening the scope for all member institutions to evaluate institutional practices related to intercollegiate athletics to ensure that all activities are conducted in an atmosphere that is safe and hospitable for all student-athlete participants, coaches, administrators and fans. The NCAA should proceed with caution on social issues; however, the American Indian mascot issue has a significant historical basis in our culture and should be addressed.