I still wonder why, if "Fighting Sioux" is offensive, the "Fighting Irish" is not offensive.  

Sara
SLU '77
Let's go SAINTS!!!

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Moller Edward N <[log in to unmask]>
> From the Chronicle of Higher Education, November 26, 2006:
> 
> >The University of North Dakota may have won a temporary reprieve on the
> use of its "Fighting Sioux" nickname in postseason tournaments, but the
> athletics director at Dartmouth College is making it known that she
> disagrees with that decision.  The director, Jo Ann (Josie) Harper, has
> publicly apologized for inviting the team to participate in a hockey
> tournament scheduled for next month, the Associated Press reported.  In
> her apology, published in the college newspaper last week, Ms. Harper
> said officials had not considered North Dakota's nickname when the
> scheduling was done nearly two years ago.  "I deeply regret that we
> didn't," she wrote.
> 
> >North Dakota is suing the NCAA over its restrictions on American Indian
> nicknames and mascots that are considered offensive, and the university
> recently won a legal order delaying enforcement of those rules until the
> matter is decided in court. 
> 
> 
> I have stayed away from this conversation on this forum, but now I feel
> compelled to write.  What on earth does Dartmouth have to apologize for?
> Are they implying that they did something wrong by inviting NoDak to the
> tournament?  If that is what they are implying, then will they hold that
> standard up to all other institutions of higher learning when
> considering intercollegiate competition?  Further, will they also apply
> that standard when considering joint academic endeavors such as the
> hiring of visiting faculty members?  What about transfer students?  Are
> they saying that no UND underclassmen need apply?
> 
> Full disclosure:  I am left of center politically and a proud citizen of
> Massachusetts, who tends to lean towards the removal of nicknames that
> cross the boundaries of good taste (Redskin IMHO is racist; I'm pretty
> sure that Fighting Sioux is over the line; I don't have a problem with
> the use of a tribal name by itself).  But for Dartmouth to say that it
> is holier than thou (regardless of having removed its Native American
> nickname many years ago) opens up a Pandora's box.  As A BU fan whose
> team will be playing in Hanover that week, I'm not so sure that I would
> want to be a part of their tournament.
> 
>  
> ________
> Edward N. Moller
> Controller and Assistant Treasurer
> Mount Ida College
> 777 Dedham Street
> Newton, MA  02459-3323
> Tel  617-928-4515
> Fax 617-928-4581
> [log in to unmask]
> 
> Mount Ida College provides a diverse community of learners a challenging
> education that blends the liberal arts with professional preparation.
> We dedicate our energy, imagination, and resources to empowering all
> students to achieve academically and contribute responsibly in a
> changing world.