The NCAA’s decision to ban what it considers &uot;hostile&uot; and &uot;abusive&uot; American Indian nicknames is a foolhardy attempt to use a highly honored collegiate organization to legislate social policy.

The worst aspect, however, is that the NCAA set up two standards in issuing its social policy, making us wonder what the NCAA intends to accomplish with the policy.

Under the ruling, schools with Indian names will be barred from using those names &045; as likenesses on uniforms, in mascots or by cheerleaders &045; from postseason play. So, up until the playoffs, it will be OK to continue using the &uot;offending&uot; nicknames and logos. That means that continued use will be allowed for the entire season, especially at the school’s home events, but barred in postseason events which usually are held elsewhere.

To even further penalize the 18 schools with Indian nicknames or logos, the NCAA said those schools will be prohibited from hosting future NCAA tournament games and, if events have already been awarded to those schools, they must cover any logos or nicknames that appear.

Locally, the decision will affect the University of North Dakota, which has been called the Fighting Sioux since the early 1930s. The university has already been chosen as the site of the NCAA men’s hockey West Regional next March. Knowing the controversy that accompanied Ralph Engelstad’s push to build a new $100 million hockey arena for the Fighting Sioux off campus so it remains in private control, we cannot image the Engelstad staff covering the hundreds of images and artwork depicting the Fighting Sioux throughout the building.

There is no doubt that a race or culture that is ridiculed or demeaned has the right to demand that activity to stop. But the NCAA in its ruling fails to define &uot;hostile&uot; or &uot;abusive.&uot; In many cases, the Indian nicknames and logos are used with the blessing of local Indian tribes, and are meant as a sign of strength, power and respect &045; which is neither hostile nor abusive.

University of North Dakota President Charles Kupchella, in a statement about the ruling, said the symbol was designed by an Indian artist and is used by its athletes and coaching staff &uot;with great pride and respect.&uot; He notes that the university has more than 25 American Indian-related programs and more than 400 American Indian students.

The NCAA should revert to its former policy, that of allowing schools to determine for themselves whether Indian depictions were offensive. Under those rules, appropriate changes were made.

The NCAA needs to maintain its high standards for athletic competition, and get out of the business of using its prowess to push political correctness.

(

&045; The Bemidji Pioneer)