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.