"The clincher in the North Dakota Board of Higher Education’s ruling to retire the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux logo was binding two American Indian tribes to a 30-year agreement to keep the logo. It won’t happen, and the board members surely know it won’t happen.
Therefore, retiring the controversial logo appears to be a done deal that will accomplish two things:
First, the never-ending debate about the logo will fade, even among die-hard alumni who believe the logo should stand because it’s integral to the university’s identity and traditions. Second, and probably the real driver behind the board’s decision, UND will be able to seek full-fledged Division I sports status without the encumbrance of the logo debate. Moreover, the school’s desire to join the Summit League can be realized because the major barrier to membership will be gone.
The board’s vote comes just a few weeks after the Spirit Lake tribe voted overwhelmingly to support the nickname. The Standing Rock tribe has not taken such a vote, but its leadership has been adamantly opposed to the nickname. Given the political climate at Standing Rock and the board’s requirement that both North Dakota Sioux tribes back the logo, the board voted to retire the logo."
Get the Story:Editorial: UND logo decision right call (The Fargo Forum 5/17)
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