UND Mascot Controversy

This story has been rumbling around, especially in the Medium White North for a couple of years now, but it looks like it's finally coming to a head: the University of North Dakota has now officially found itself embroiled in a mess after the State Legislature passed a bill requiring the school to keep it's nickname, mascot and logo of 'The Fighting Sioux.'

Now, NCAA policy states that any mascot/team name/school name that might be seen as 'hostile or abusive' to Native Americans has to change their name or face sanctions- UND would not be able to hold post-season tournaments and athletes would not be able to where the logo and/or name on their uniforms. And UND officials are worried that the controversy might disrupt their planned move to the Big Sky Conference next year.

Where this gets messy: UND has decided to ignore the state senate, stating that it only takes it's marching orders from the State Board of Education and plans to drop the Fighting Sioux name are proceeding as planned. (For now. I doubt they'll get to thumb their nose at the legislature with impunity.)

I'm not sure what to make of this one. NCAA policy requires the sanction of the affected tribes (which is why Florida State gets to remain the Seminoles) but between North Dakota's two main tribes of Sioux- the Standing Rock and Spirit Lake, one has said 'sure' and the other has declined to even vote on the matter. So what do you make of that? Does North Dakota have to get the approval of ALL Sioux, everywhere to be incompliance with the policy? Or does the approval of one band of Sioux count? How, in a tribe- and God, I know that's probably the wrong word, let's say in a people as diverse and as widespread as the Sioux are do you get permission? Especially when a lot of them aren't IN North Dakota and probably won't care about UND athletics all that much.

Hmmmmmm.... I'm not really sure where I come down on this. I can see the argument that a lot of these team names (such as Braves, Squaws, Redskins) could be seen as derogatory and it does make you cringe to see a whole nation of cultures, traditions and languages reduced to a face on the side of a jersey- it seems to diminish Native Americans to a commodity and I've got to admit: I wouldn't enjoy being a commodity. Especially given how obscenely consumer-driven athletics has become.

That said: you can also flip the argument around and say that there's publicity, pride and yes, even a certain amount of tradition associated with these names for all concerned.

But I don't know... political correctness run amuck or decent attempt at cultural sensitivity? (And more to the point: does UND need approval from all Sioux, everywhere? Or just the Sioux in its state? Or will one group of Sioux do?)