Image via WikipediaThe Bismarck Tribune editorial board came out with this stance on the Fighting Sioux logo. Can't say that I was shocked by their response, seems to be popular to pile on now.I want to address one point in this editorial; you don't just pick "a new nickname and logo," the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo has been part of UND's history for 80+ years you can't just go Willy Nilly and pick a new nickname and logo without putting some serious thought into the process. This is how you end up with a really stupid replacement nickname and logo.
Bismarck Tribune - Robert Kelley, University of North Dakota president, said Monday it's time for the school to drop the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.
He is right.
But here's the big question. Does he have the wherewithal to get the job done? We think he does, we support his efforts and we wish him success.
Personal preference to keep or drop those two words and image - Fighting Sioux - pales in comparison with what is best for UND students. The protracted controversy from polarized camps has gone on far too long. Damage has been done. More will follow. But it shouldn't be hard to weigh the options.
Pick a new nickname and logo, deal with some angst for an undetermined period of time and create an atmosphere ultimately conducive to university and student athletic success.
Continue use of the nickname and logo, deal with everlasting angst from the NCAA, and create an atmosphere that severely impacts the university and student athletic success.
Forget about "who" makes the decision. It's time to put egos aside and do the right thing - and UND President Kelley should be the point man.
It's time for Native Americans in support of the name and logo to defer to their brothers and sisters who have been, and are, offended by what they believe to be a hostile environment. Indians can lead by continuing a long tradition of love, understanding and service to one another, by focusing on the greater good.
It's time for arrogant legislators to stop controlling and micro-managing. They are not leading by continuing to ask for meetings with the NCAA to defend their silly and defiant actions, pomp-and-circumstance votes commanding continued use of the nickname and logo.
It's time for those legislators to show leadership by admitting their mistake and committing to lightening the heavy burden they wrongfully placed on UND and its students - and November's special redistricting session isn't soon enough.
It's time for the Board of Higher Education to lead by backing President Kelley, at whatever cost, at restarting the transition process that had begun, making it possible to move past the nickname and logo conflict.
And, it's time for the NCAA, and Big Sky Conference, to acknowledge those efforts by then showing leadership by welcoming and helping UND move forward to university and student athletic success.
Consider what is best for students and it isn't an ongoing controversy over a nickname.
Now is the time for leadership - not showmanship.
