The NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee (MOIC) has been directed by the NCAA Executive Committee to review the use of American Indian mascots, nicknames and logos by NCAA member institutions. While the issue of American Indian mascots and images in college athletics has been the subject of discussion for the past five years, three recent events prompted the Executive Committee's directive to the MOIC:

1. The Executive Committee's detailed review of issues related to the Confederate Battle Flag and its resulting criteria for evaluating NCAA predetermined championship sites. The criteria include, in part "the ability of a site to promote an atmosphere of respect for and sensitivity to the dignity of every person". (January 2001)

2. St. Cloud State University President Roy Saigo's request to the Executive Committee to consider a resolution stating the NCAA does not condone the use of Native American logos and nicknames. (March 2001)

3. United States Commission on Civil Rights' Statement on the Use of Native American Images and Nicknames as Sports Symbols, stating in part "Schools should not use their influence to perpetuate misrepresentations of any culture or people. Stereotypes of American Indians teach all students that stereotyping of minority groups is acceptable, a dangerous lesson in a diverse society. (April 2001)

American Indian mascots are important as symbols because they are intimately linked to deeply embedded values and world views. Accordingly, discussions regarding the use of American Indian mascots, names and logos evoke both passionate allegiance and harsh criticism. To supporters, they honor indigenous people, embody institutional tradition, foster shared identity and intensify the pleasures of college athletics. To those who oppose them, the mascots give life to racial stereotypes, mock religious and ceremonial customs, validate prejudice behavior towards all races, revive historical patterns of appropriation and oppression, and foster discomfort, pain and even terror among many American Indian people.

Consistent with the mission and objectives of the MOIC; its review of the issues surrounding the use of American Indian mascots began with the NCAA Constitution. In so doing, the committee noted the following:

1. Article 2.2.2 – Cultural Diversity and Gender Equity:

It is the responsibility of each member institution to establish and maintain an environment that values cultural diversity and gender equity among its student-athletes and intercollegiate athletics department staff.

2. Article 2.4 – The Principle of Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct:

For intercollegiate athletics to promote the character development of participants, to enhance the integrity of higher education and to promote the civility in society, student-athletes, coaches and all others, associated with these athletics programs and events should adhere to such fundamental values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty and responsibility. These values should be manifest not only in athletics participation but also in the broad spectrum of activities affecting athletics programs.

3. Article 2.6 – The Principle of Nondiscrimination:

The Association shall promote an atmosphere of respect for and sensitivity to the dignity of every person. It is the policy of the Association to refrain from discrimination with respect to its governance policies, educational programs, activities and employment practices.

Integral to the committee's examination of the issues, particularly in light of providing a final report to the Executive Committee that may include recommendations impacting institutions, conferences and NCAA-sponsored championships and events, is the compilation of comments/testimonials from those directly impacted by this review:

American Indian tribes.

Current student-athletes.

The NCAA membership.

Entities within the NCAA governance structure.

The committee invites your input. Please forward your comments by May 17 to:

Rochelle M. Collins
Director of Professional Development
NCAA
P.O. Box 6222
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206.

All comments will be reviewed by the MOIC and/or Executive Committee. We look forward to receiving your input.

This content can be found at ncaa.org
© The National Collegiate Athletic Association

---