NCAA: NCAA Handles Mascot Appeals

NCAA Handles Mascot Appeals: The NCAA proved that it is serious about enforcing its ban on hostile and abusive mascots. Illinois, North Dakota and Indiana University of Pennsylvania all lost their second appeals, in which they claimed that their mascots were not hostile and abusive to American Indians. As part of the policy first outlined last year, NCAA schools cannot use nicknames or mascots that belittle American Indians. In Illinois’ case, the school won a November appeal that the Fighting Illini also applies to World War I veterans. But the use of the Chief Illiniwek mascot and logo must end, the NCAA said. The North Dakota Fighting Sioux received only mixed support from a local Sioux tribe, supporting the NCAA’s decision on that school.
[5/01/06]