PDA

View Full Version : NCAA restricts use of William & Mary's (college) "tribe" nickname



#98QBKiller
May-17th-2006, 10:28 AM
Thought you guys might be interested in this since the Redskins could fall under this category if the NFL ever decides to suddenly become PC.



Let me know what you think about the new NCAA restrictions...


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/more/05/17/bc.ncaa.william.mary.ap/index.html



WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (AP) -- The NCAA has added William & Mary to its list of schools subject to restrictions on the use of Indian mascots, names and imagery in the governing body's championship events.

William & Mary will be allowed to keep its "Tribe" nickname, but can't use it in NCAA championship competitions and also is barred from holding NCAA events.

"The good news is that we are forever going to be the Tribe," William & Mary spokesman William T. Walker said Tuesday.

The school had submitted a review, in which it argued that the Tribe nickname was consistent with the NCAA's policy of nondiscrimination. It claimed the nickname "is designed to communicate ennobling sentiments of commitment, shared idealism, community and common cause," that it appropriately highlights the school's founding mission to educate indigenous peoples and that regional tribal leaders had indicated they do not consider the school's nickname hostile or abusive.

The NCAA, in a letter to college president Gene Nichol, said it agreed that the nickname "Tribe" wasn't offensive, but combined with the logo showing two feathers "transforms that use from one associated with 'togetherness,' 'shared idealism,' and 'commitment' to stereotypical reference to Native Americans."

The NCAA said the school's use of the imagery "creates an environmental over which an institution may not have full control."

"Fans, opponents, and others can and will exhibit behaviors that indeed are hostile or abusive to Native Americans," the NCAA said.

Four schools, including Florida State, won appeals to keep their mascots because of support from Indian tribes. Walker said William & Mary also would appeal.

"To say that what William and Mary does is not acceptable and what Florida State University does is acceptable boggles our minds," Walker said.

"Perhaps it is the absurdity of judgments like these that is causing the U.S. Congress to consider taking this matter out of the hands of the NCAA."

Legislation being considered in the U.S. House would limit the NCAA's authority to sanction its members over their use of nicknames and mascots.

Copyright 2006 Associated Press (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/interactive_legal.html#AP). All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

fight_on_til_you_have_won
May-17th-2006, 10:30 AM
I think it's a joke. It's one thing if the mascot is particularly offensive (Cleveland Indians, I'm looking in your direction), but a tribe? I think they're overreaching. And besides, shouldn't that be the university's decision to make?

#98QBKiller
May-17th-2006, 10:46 AM
I think it's a joke. It's one thing if the mascot is particularly offensive (Cleveland Indians, I'm looking in your direction), but a tribe? I think they're overreaching. And besides, shouldn't that be the university's decision to make?




I agree. It's just interesting that these colleges have had the same mascots for so many years and the NCAA suddenly decides to change things.


There was actually an issue here in NC a year or two ago about Duke University's mascot the "Blue Devil" being a reference to "blue eyed devils," meaning white people from the days of slavery. I just think that things are being over analyzed. I personally don't find any team's mascot offensive....except for the Dallas Cowboys of course.

Prosperity
May-17th-2006, 10:51 AM
Here we go again... I hope W&M doesn't give in to that BS.

Mooka
May-17th-2006, 11:27 AM
They're "The Tribe" and the logo is 2 feathers.

wtf is offensive about that?

tizzod
May-17th-2006, 11:56 AM
The NCAA, in a letter to college president Gene Nichol, said it agreed that the nickname "Tribe" wasn't offensive, but combined with the logo showing two feathers "transforms that use from one associated with 'togetherness,' 'shared idealism,' and 'commitment' to stereotypical reference to Native Americans."



You have GOT to be kidding me. What a frickin' reach that is. That offends ME. Where do I go to gripe about it, with my super-sensitive, sissy, thin skin?

Rocky21
May-17th-2006, 02:38 PM
OK, let me get this right. It was OK for our country to break treaties with Native Americans, drive them off their land, slaughter them, put them on reservations, etc. but it's not OK to let a college have a nickname like Tribe?

Leonard Washington
May-17th-2006, 02:52 PM
as a wm alum...i could care less. they NEED to do something about the mascot however.

BURGUNDYBLEEDER
May-17th-2006, 02:58 PM
Tribe is not an exclusively Indian term. Aboriginal, African tribes, etc. I know W&M had Indian tribes in mind but let's get real. This is scary.

Henry
May-17th-2006, 03:40 PM
http://www.wm.edu/athletics/index.php


The Tribe and the NCAA

May 17, 2006


To the Campus Community:

We learned last evening that the NCAA staff review determined the use of the nickname "Tribe" by our athletic teams was neither "hostile nor abusive." The report did object, however, to the use of feathers as part of our sports logo. We will appeal the ruling as it applies to the logo.

The good news, of course, is the NCAA has agreed with our assessment of the term "Tribe." The nickname—so close to the heart of this community—will remain the College's moniker.

The NCAA's varied interpretations of mascot policy—what it allows and what it rejects—are impossible to comprehend or justify. It is unsurprising, therefore, that the U. S. Congress is considering taking the matter out of the Association's hands. It remains my belief that the William and Mary athletic program should be touted as a national model for unparalleled academics and athletics.

Leonard Washington
May-17th-2006, 06:14 PM
i got this as an email


Dear Alumni of the College of William and Mary:

We learned last evening that the NCAA staff review determined the use of the nickname "Tribe" by our athletic teams was neither "hostile nor abusive." The report did object, however, to the use of feathers as part of our sports logo. We will appeal the ruling as it applies to the logo.

The good news, of course, is the NCAA has agreed with our assessment of the term "Tribe." The nickname -- so close to the heart of this community -- will remain the College's moniker.

The NCAA's varied interpretations of mascot policy -- what it allows and what it rejects -- are impossible to comprehend or justify. It is unsurprising, therefore, that the U. S. Congress is considering taking the matter out of the Association's hands. It remains my belief that the William and Mary athletic program should be touted as a national model for unparalleled academics and athletics.

Go Tribe. Hark upon the gale.


All the best,

Gene Nichol