3afan
11-10-2005, 01:12 PM
from the Washington Post ::
Carthage, Midwestern St. Change Nicknames
INDIANAPOLIS -- Carthage College in Wisconsin will return to its
original nickname of Red Men, and Midwestern State University in Texas
will change its nickname after this season to comply with the NCAA's new
policy regarding American Indian mascots.
The decision was announced Wednesday by the NCAA.
Carthage College originally used the nickname Red Men, a term it
adopted from a nearby high school that was nicknamed the Blue Boys. Over
the years, however, Carthage became known as the Redmen and used Indian
mascots and logos.
Those images will be discontinued and the school agreed to issue a
policy statement that distances the college's nickname from American
Indian heritage.
Midwestern State, nicknamed the Indians, was given an extension to
remove its nickname and imagery from its basketball court until after
the season ends because of cost. But the university is expected to
discontinue the use of its nickname and logos after this year.
"The NCAA commends Carthage College and Midwestern State University for
taking affirmative steps to eliminate the potential for a hostile or
abusive environment by removing Native American references from their
respective athletics programs," the NCAA said.
The NCAA adopted the new policy in August, which prohibits the use of
Indiana nicknames, mascots, logos and other imagery at postseason
events.
Several schools, including Utah, Florida State and Central Michigan won
appeals to be removed from the original list of 18. Others, such as
North Dakota and Bradley, were initially rejected. Illinois and Indiana
University of Pennsylvania have appeals pending.
Carthage and Midwestern State are the first schools to agree to change
their nicknames since the policy was announced.
Carthage, Midwestern St. Change Nicknames
INDIANAPOLIS -- Carthage College in Wisconsin will return to its
original nickname of Red Men, and Midwestern State University in Texas
will change its nickname after this season to comply with the NCAA's new
policy regarding American Indian mascots.
The decision was announced Wednesday by the NCAA.
Carthage College originally used the nickname Red Men, a term it
adopted from a nearby high school that was nicknamed the Blue Boys. Over
the years, however, Carthage became known as the Redmen and used Indian
mascots and logos.
Those images will be discontinued and the school agreed to issue a
policy statement that distances the college's nickname from American
Indian heritage.
Midwestern State, nicknamed the Indians, was given an extension to
remove its nickname and imagery from its basketball court until after
the season ends because of cost. But the university is expected to
discontinue the use of its nickname and logos after this year.
"The NCAA commends Carthage College and Midwestern State University for
taking affirmative steps to eliminate the potential for a hostile or
abusive environment by removing Native American references from their
respective athletics programs," the NCAA said.
The NCAA adopted the new policy in August, which prohibits the use of
Indiana nicknames, mascots, logos and other imagery at postseason
events.
Several schools, including Utah, Florida State and Central Michigan won
appeals to be removed from the original list of 18. Others, such as
North Dakota and Bradley, were initially rejected. Illinois and Indiana
University of Pennsylvania have appeals pending.
Carthage and Midwestern State are the first schools to agree to change
their nicknames since the policy was announced.