"There is a path of dignity and respect that UND could take at this pivotal point in the nickname debate.

It's a path that could lead to the university keeping its Fighting Sioux nickname, in a way that would honor both sides of the quarrel. Or, it could lead to UND changing that nickname - but again, in a way that would honor both sides.

In bringing the university to one of these destinations, the path also could help generate something rare on this issue: consensus - not full consensus, but likely a stronger, more solid and better grounded consensus than exists today.

The path points in the direction of the tribal councils of the Spirit Lake Sioux and Standing Rock Sioux in North Dakota."

Get the Story:
OUR OPINION: Seek tribal councils' support for the nickname (The Grand Forks Herald 5/3)

NCAA Update:
Status of Indian Mascot Policy (April 28, 2006)

NCAA Executive Committee Decision:
Native American Mascot Appeals Decisions (April 28, 2006)

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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