Ed. Note: The Backtalk section with the negative comments was published on September 30.

Marcus Weaver-Hightower: "Let's be clear: the NCAA does not think the word 'Sioux,' in and of itself, is 'hostile and abusive.' Their concern, and the concern of those who would like to see the nickname changed, is that the use of the nickname has created a hostile and abusive environment.

Any doubts that the environment in Grand Forks is hostile and abusive to Native Americans has been washed away by some of the disgusting comments made in the Herald's Backtalk section Sept. 30."

James McKenzie: "I imagine NCAA lawyers will consider as evidence of 'hostility and abuse' the recent flood of nasty Backtalk remarks on the UND logo/nickname issue, masked by the cowardice of anonymity."

Get the Story:
IN THE MAIL : 'Backtalk' backlash (The Grand Forks Herald 10/6)

More mail on 'Fighting Sioux' debate
Hal Neff: "Has the 'race card' just been played? Can any rational discussion or talk take place from here on out? Anyone who pursues continued use of the Sioux logo now does so at their peril."

Caitlin Schultz: "I was a student-athlete at my undergraduate institution and, incidentally, at a school that did change its nickname. While I understand students' sense of pride in and connection with a logo, I can say that, in the end, the logo really is not what makes a school special."

John Noack: "IIf you do surveys in this country, white people will tell you there is no race problem. But if you ask people of color, you will get an answer that is the exact opposite. This issue is about perspective, and I ask one question of everyone who is in favor of the UND logo: How can you perpetuate anything that hurts a group of people?

Get the Story:
IN THE MAIL : "Fighting Sioux' debate (The Grand Forks Herald 10/6)

NCAA Decision:
Statement by NCAA Senior Vice-President for Governance and Membership Bernard Franklin on University of North Dakota Review(September 28, 2005)

NCAA Policy:
NCAA Executive Committee Issues Guidelines for Use of Native American Mascots at Championship Events (August 5, 2005)

Relevant Links:
University of North Dakota - http://www.und.edu
The Ralph - http://www.theralph.com
Fighting Sioux - http://www.fightingsioux.com
NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee - http://www1.ncaa.org/eprise/main/
membership/governance/assoc-wide/moic/index.html
National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media - http://www.aimovement.org/ncrsm

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