The student body president of the University of North Dakota said the never-ending debate over the "Fighting Sioux" nickname and logo is hurting the community.

Kylie Michelle Oversen, a senior, acknowledged that students are "torn" over the issue. “But I’m in a position of leadership, and I believe someone needs to say something," she told The Grand Forks Herald.

“Consider the true implications and consequences that your actions will have on our university,” she wrote in an open letter. “Please allow us to move on past this issue and to focus on our true mission as an institution of higher education.”

Oversen said Indian students in particular are concerned about the re-emergence of the nickname and logo, despite plans to retire the imagery last year. The State Board of Higher Education is keeping the debate alive and has asked Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem to take the issue to court.

Get the Story:
'Allow us to move on': UND student president asks N.D. citizens to let nickname fight end (The Grand Forks Herald 2/14)
Higher ed board asks for judgment from N.D. Supreme Court declaring Sioux nickname law unconstitutional (The Grand Forks Herald 2/14)

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