The University of North Dakota's lawsuit against the NCAA's Indian mascot policy is moving forward.

The State Board of Higher Education voted 8-0 last week to challenge the placement of the "Fighting Sioux" logo and name on the list of hostile and/or abusive mascots. The board's newest member is Charles Murphy, the former chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

The lawsuit was approved on the condition that it be privately funded. Some donors have already offered money for a newly-established litigation fund, the UND Foundation said.

North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem will handle the case. He is meeting this week to decide whether to file in state or federal court.

Get the Story:
UND v. NCAA: Attorney general candidate questions lawsuit (The Grand Forks Herald 6/20)

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
North Dakota Board of Higher Education - http://www.ndus.nodak.edu/sbhe
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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