School board votes to keep Sioux name

DECEMBER 22, 2000

Trumping President Charles Kupchella's decision on the issue, the North Dakota Board of Higher Education voted 8-0 Thursday to keep the University of North Dakota's "Fighting Sioux" nickname.

The board's move ends months of waiting for Kupchella to make a decision. He had surveys conducted, polls taken, and groups created to study the issue.

He would have made a decision in January. Most American Indian students, Indian program faculty, and tribal leaders opposed the name. Almost everyone else supported keeping it, although the Spirit Lake Sioux council sent a resolution to Kupchella, supporting the name.

The Board also voted to adopt a new logo for the school, which was created by Native artist Ben Brien.

Get the Story:
Board beats Kupchella on decision (The Grand Forks Herald 12/22)
Spirit Lake sends UND its support (The Grand Forks Herald 12/22)