"After capitulating to the Florida State Seminoles, the NCAA should get out of the political correctness business. Its new policy to crack down on team names and imagery that might be offensive to Native Americans isn't worth the upheaval caused. Never was.

We assume the valid goal of the association's Native American policy was to rid collegiate sports of derogatory nicknames like the Redmen and the Savages. Same goes for team images and mascots that perpetuate stereotypes still evident in some professional franchises, like the Atlanta Braves' tomahawk chop.

The NCAA governing body backed itself into a corner on this one. There are better ways to show vigilance against racism or stereotyping than enacting an arbitrary policy against subjective references."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Indian givers (The Toledo Blade 8/29)

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

Relevant Links:
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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