Who says the NCAA can't compromise?
The governing body of college sports agreed to let North Dakota keep thousands of logos in its hockey and basketball arenas and still be eligible to host post-season tournaments.
The background: In 2005 the NCAA listed 19 schools which had Native American nicknames and logos it deemed offensive. In order to be able to host an NCAA tournament game (or bid to host an NCAA Championship) schools had to change the nickname/logo or receive support from Native American tribes. In the case of the Fighting Sioux of North Dakota, the support was split -- one tribe gave its support the other didn't. And that set off years of hostility and legal action.
Here's a fun fact according to a story on the Indian Country Today Media Network: "It’s interesting to note that the logo was actually designed by Bennett Brien, a Native American artist who graduated from UND with a master of find arts degree."
Another note: If you go to the University of North Dakota's athletic website, you won't readily find the logo or reference to the "Fighting Sioux."
--- Amy Moritz
Photo form minnesota.publicradio.org
