NSU Faculty Council - Mascot Resolution (2006)

NSU FACULTY COUNCIL MASCOT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Northeastern State University Faculty Council is the representative body of the NSU Faculty Association; and

WHEREAS, the Northeastern State University Faculty Council is dedicated to promoting quality education for students that includes cultural awareness and a sense of diversity among NSU's diverse student population; and

WHEREAS, the Northeastern State University Faculty Council believes the use of derogatory American Indian images such as mascots by Universities perpetuates a stereotypical image of American Indians that is likely to have a negative impact on the self-esteem of American Indian students; and

WHEREAS, the use of the Redmen name is an offensive and abusive practice that would be
considered intolerable were other ethnic groups or minorities depicted in a similar manner; and

WHEREAS, when the identity of any ethnic group is caricatured or trivaialized, this does a disservice to all students; and

WHEREAS, on April 13, 2001, the United State Commission on Civil Rights issued a Statement on the Use of American Indian Images and Nicknames as Sports Symbols that called for an end to the use of American Indian images and team names by non-Indian schools; that stereotyping of any racial, ethnic, religious or other groups when promoted by public education institutions, teach all students that stereotyping of minority groups is acceptable, a dangerous lesson in a diverse society; that schools have a responsibility to educate their students; they should not use influence to perpetuate misrepresentations of any culture or people; and

WHEREAS, on July 14, 2001 the FIVE CIVILIZED TRIBES INTERTRIBAL COUNCIL joined the United States Commission on Civil Right call to eliminate the stereotypical use of American Indian names and images as mascots in sports and other events and to provide meaningful education about real American Indian people, current American Indian issues, and, the rich variety of American Indian cultures in the U.S.; and

WHEREAS, on August 5, 2005, the NCAA determined that "mascots, nicknames or images deemed hostile or abusive in terms of race, ethnicity or national origian should not be visible" and that the name "Redmen" was a hostile and abusive nickname,

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Northeastern State University Faculty Council SUPPORTS THE CHANGE of the Northeastern State University mascot to a name and symbol which presents the University, its mission, and its heritage in a culturally and socially responsible manner.