The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan fully supports Central Michigan University's "Chippewas" nickname but not everyone agrees its appropriate.

The issue was debated at an open forum on campus. Sophomore Amy Burdo said the school is wrong to use Indian imagery and said the nickname is "degrading" to Native students.

Joe Sowmick, the tribe�s public relations director, spoke in favor of the nickname. The tribe has a long relationship with the university but hasn't polled its membership on the use of "Chippewas."

The NCAA placed CMU on the list of schools with hostile and abusive mascots but granted an exemption due to the tribe's support. Rich Morrison, the associate vice president of public relations and marketing at CMU, said the school uses the name in a respectful manner.

Get the Story:
Tribe feels Chippewa nickname is an honor (Central Michigan Life 10/28)

Relevant Links:
Saginaw Chippewa Tribe - http://www.sagchip.org
Central Michigan University - http://www.cmich.edu
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

Related Stories:
CMU panel to discuss Indian education issues (10/26)
Not everyone at CMU likes decision on 'Chippewas' (09/09)
Two more schools exempted from NCAA mascot policy (9/6)
Saginaw Chippewa Tribe hopeful on NCAA appeal (9/2)
CMU cites tribe's support in appeal for 'Chippewas' (8/31)
CMU preparing to appeal decision on 'Chippewas' (08/25)
CMU to cite support of tribe for 'Chippewas' nickname (8/23)
Saginaw Chippewa Tribe calls policy 'unacceptable' (08/11)
NCAA announces revised Indian mascot policy (8/8)
Mixed reaction to change in use of mascots (8/8)
NCAA committee to take up Indian mascots (8/3)
Company removes 'Chippewa' image from video game (07/28)
NCAA committee won't call for ban on Indian mascots (6/28)
Saginaw Chippewa Tribe supports CMU nickname (04/13)
Michigan tribe donates to college's PBS station (02/25)
University corrects Indian tuition waiver policy (10/29)
Video game features fans in 'Chippewa' dress (10/25)
Michigan tribe working on school tuition waiver (04/26)
Mich. university interviewing four for Native post (04/07)
Mich. school ignoring treaty on Indian education (03/22)
University president revives Indian advisory panel (03/05)
University narrowing field for Native program director (02/27)