The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has begun looking at a petition that calls for a referendum on the controversial "Fighting Sioux" nickname and logo of the University of North Dakota.

Supporters of the nickname gathered 1,004 signatures on the petition. But the tribe currently lacks a process to review petitions, certify signatures and set up a referendum.

The North Dakota Board of Higher Education voted to retire the nickname without hearing from the tribe. Supporters hope the outcome of a referendum will change the board's mind.

Under a settlement with the NCAA, the board had until November 30 to hear from the tribe. The Spirit Lake Dakotah Nation already voted to support the nickname.

Get the Story:
Certification of Standing Rock petition will take time (The Grand Forks Herald 5/14)
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An Opinion:
David Murphy: Disgrace or ‘Great Tradition’: Which is it? (The Grand Forks Herald 5/14)
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