Yet, 'Freedom of Speech' does not cover the usurpation of cultural symbols, especially if they perpetuate negative stereotypes. Indian Studies, Dept. As alumni, my wife Kym and I continue to be embarrassed by and ashamed of our alma mater. No other group has such a large affront in the racist use of it's people. I was living in Grand Forks, attending UND in 1988 when the 'Factfinding' mission went to the Imperial Palace and found everything hunky dory with Mr. Englestad.
Mascots can never honor Native people, no matter the best of intentions.
If the name is self-chosen, like Notre Dame's Fighting Irish, that is one thing. All across America schools are grappling with the decision of whether or not to eliminate mascots that are based on Native Americans. Oklahoma State U., Grad. I do not believe that we have the moral right to infringe on the honor, history, or ethnicity of any group. Everyone is entitled to how they feel about their own heritage.