Arkansas State: Native American Consultants Advise on Hostile and Abusive Nickname

Arkansas State Researching “Indians”: The Arkansas State athletic department has engaged members of the Cherokee nation to assist the school with understanding the ramifications of the use of their “Indians” mascot, nickname and imagery. ASU, which was placed on the list of the NCAA’s 18 schools that use “hostile and abusive” mascots, has not formally appealed the NCAA’s decision, but has learned from Cherokee consultants that the mascot image with a headdress is applicable to Plains Indian tribes, not any nation near Arkansas. Additionally, the consultants indicated that the practice of using an “Indian Princess” within the athletic department is not supported under any tribal nation. ASU has submitted several clarifying questions to the NCAA, and will await for a response before announcing their intentions regarding an appeal. For further information, check out Hoopville’s “Hostile and Abusive” reference page. [11/14/05]