It will be interesting to see how this issue plays out over the spring and summer. I think there is going to be a big fight between the Legislature and the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education. I would really like to know what the process is for coming up with a new nickname if the change is made; I have a bad feeling about that concept as well. This is what happens when political correctness runs amuck, we would probably get stuck with a horrible nickname no one likes except the P.C. hand wringers.
bismarcktribune.com ---- The transition away from the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo is on hold at the University of North Dakota while the school awaits further direction from the State Board of Higher Education.
UND is supposed to have phased out the nickname and logo by Aug. 15, but after the passage of House Bill 1263 in support of the nickname, the university is waiting to see what happens among the board, the NCAA and the Legislature.
"The state Legislature is indicating a direction that is strongly different from the State Board of Higher Education, so we think the best thing we can do for the state of North Dakota is to hold off," said university spokesman Peter Johnson.
The Aug. 15 deadline is one of many UND has seen over the years as the board has continually pushed back the date for various reasons.
While August is not far away, Johnson said he expects the board to give direction before the bill becomes law on Aug. 1, just two weeks before the required transition date.
Regardless, the university is in a good place to pick back up with the transition if necessary, Johnson said.
The Honoring History and Traditions Task Group has already evaluated all non-athletic uses of the nickname and recommended retiring those as well.
The New Directions Task Group, which will be appointed by UND President Robert Kelley, will be charged with coming up with a new nickname.
Johnson said the process of picking a new nickname could be time-consuming, along with the wait that comes with getting entirely new uniforms and apparel.
"For just a year or two, we would just be North Dakota," if the transition takes place, Johnson said
