More than 120 University of North Dakota faculty members signed a letter calling on the school to get rid of its "Fighting Sioux" nickname and logo.

The faculty said the controversial name has damaged UND's reputation and its relationship with tribes and Native Americans. They asked North Dakota University System Chancellor Robert Potts, to start a process to eliminate "Sioux."

In response, Potts said the State Board of Higher Education is looking into the issue. He cited recent meetings with tribal leaders as an indication of progress.

The State Board of Higher Education previously blocked UND from considering a potential name change.

Get the Story:
UND: Faculty calls for 'Fighting Sioux' retirement (The Grand Forks Herald 3/24)
Online extra: UND faculty letter and petition against the 'Fighting Sioux' nickname (The Grand Forks Herald 3/24)
Online extra: Chancellor Robert Potts' response to UND faculty petition (The Grand Forks Herald 3/24)

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

NCAA Policy on Indian Mascots:
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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