North Dakota Back to Being Fighting Sioux

It was back in 2005 that the NCAA 'prodded' 19 member schools to get rid of American Indian nicknames, logos and mascots that it considered "hostile and abusive" to Indians. The University of North Dakota is the only school left bucking the trend and they've come up with a new gambit.

They've resumed using their Fighting Sioux nickname as the latest round is battled in court. A law requiring the school use its long time nickname and logo, was repealed eight months after it took effect last year, in an attempt to help the university avoid NCAA sanctions. Traditionalists though filed petitions with more than 17,000 signatures late Tuesday, demanding the issue be put to a statewide vote.

"As soon as that petition was filed, the law reverts," University President Robert Kelley told the Associated Press. "I don't want to violate the law."

It should be pointed out that the Florida State Seminoles and Central Michigan Chippewas got tribal permission to keep using their monikers. North Dakota's Standing Rock Sioux tribal council won't concede permission, while the Spirit Lake Sioux tribe did give the University its blessing.

The NCAA sanctions against those who don't comply include being banned from hosting championship events, nor will its athletes be allowed to wear uniforms with the offending nickname or logos in post-season play.

Yet the NCAA continues to list its headquarters as being located in Indianapolis. They should move, which they won't. Their hypocrisy is offensive.