NCAA Bans FSU Mascot
Wednesday August 10, 2005
Florida State University is on the warpath after the NCAA banned its Seminole Indian mascot from NCAA championship events. Even Governor Jeb Bush jumped in the fray yesterday to denounce the move, saying "It’s ridiculous." The governor said the Seminole Tribe of Florida supports the school’s use of its name.
Last week, the NCAA Executive Committee approved the "recommended best practices" for schools who continue to use Native American mascots, nicknames and imagery in their intercollegiate athletic programs. Eighteen schools have an American Indian logo or mascot that will be prohibited by the NCAA during postseason events. Although this ban takes effect in February, 2006, cheerleaders and band members also will be barred from using American Indian nicknames or logos beginning in 2008.
"Colleges and universities may adopt any mascot that they wish, as that is an institutional matter," said Walter Harrison, chair of the Executive Committee and president at the University of Hartford. "But as a national association, we believe that mascots, nicknames or images deemed hostile or abusive in terms of race, ethnicity or national origin should not be visible at the championship events that we control."
As the wagons circle around this issue, will other conflicts emerge? Will fans be barred from wearing the logos as well? Get them while they're available — find Florida State Seminole logos on these items!
What do you think? Do you agree with the NCAA? Answer that in an MSNBC poll.
Last week, the NCAA Executive Committee approved the "recommended best practices" for schools who continue to use Native American mascots, nicknames and imagery in their intercollegiate athletic programs. Eighteen schools have an American Indian logo or mascot that will be prohibited by the NCAA during postseason events. Although this ban takes effect in February, 2006, cheerleaders and band members also will be barred from using American Indian nicknames or logos beginning in 2008.
"Colleges and universities may adopt any mascot that they wish, as that is an institutional matter," said Walter Harrison, chair of the Executive Committee and president at the University of Hartford. "But as a national association, we believe that mascots, nicknames or images deemed hostile or abusive in terms of race, ethnicity or national origin should not be visible at the championship events that we control."
As the wagons circle around this issue, will other conflicts emerge? Will fans be barred from wearing the logos as well? Get them while they're available — find Florida State Seminole logos on these items!
What do you think? Do you agree with the NCAA? Answer that in an MSNBC poll.
Comments
lame that ncaa did that its not offensive and im not indian