Opinion
Tim Giago: NCAA loses its spine on mascot policy


"Under pressure, the NCAA is folding one college at a time to the fanatics insistent upon retaining their Indian mascots.

The key letter in NCAA is the “C” for “Collegiate.” When it comes to sporting activities, it is the responsibility of the National Collegiate Athletic Association to work with and respond to the needs and requests of college students everywhere in America.

This must also include the 36 colleges based upon the sovereign grounds of the Indian nations. Without exception, every Indian-controlled college in this country opposes the use of Indians as mascots.

The National Congress of American Indians, representing more than 400 Indian nations, passed a resolution opposing the use of Indians as mascots. The Seminole Nation of Florida is a member of NCAI.

The National Indian Education Association, representing nearly every educator, principal, superintendent and student in the country, also passed a resolution opposing the use of Indians as mascots. Nearly every Indian nation in America has passed or is intending to pass, similar resolutions."

Get the Story:
Tim Giago: The spine of the NCAA turns to jelly (The Native American Times 9/12)

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