CMU Submits Appeal to NCAA Regarding Nickname

Aug. 31, 2005

MOUNT PLEASANT -- Central Michigan University President Michael Rao submitted an appeal to the National Collegiate Athletic Association on Friday, Aug. 26, in regard to the inclusion of CMU's "Chippewa" nickname on the list of the 18 schools that the NCAA cited for "displaying hostile or abusive racial/ethnic/national origin mascots, nicknames, or imagery."

On Aug. 5, the NCAA adopted a new policy prohibiting NCAA colleges and universities from displaying hostile and abusive racial/ethnic/national origin mascots, nicknames or imagery at any of the 88 NCAA championships.

Each school was given the option to appeal and CMU has exercised that option based on the long-standing, collaborative and mutually supportive relationship between the university and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. The university uses the name with honor and respect and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe supports CMU's use of the Chippewa name.

CMU's appeal included four addenda validating and substantiating the appeal. The addenda included copies of resolutions and proclamations from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.

Also highlighted were the 10 conditions under which CMU uses the Chippewa name:

Usage should be sanctioned by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council;

CMU should work with the Native American community in providing ongoing assistance in educational programs;

Educational programs and materials should be developed for freshman orientation which would familiarize students with the cultures and traditions of Native Americans;

Materials on Native Americans and Chippewa culture should be distributed across campus;

Sensitivity sessions should be conducted for staff of student media focusing on problems of stereotyping various racial and ethnic groups;

Programs featuring culturally accurate materials about Native Americans should be sponsored;

The use of all Native American mascots should be banned;

The inappropriate use of music based on Native American rhythms should be banned;

The university should consider the possibility of copyrighting logos and symbols in an effort to gain control over unauthorized use; and

A committee should be formed to monitor implementation of the recommendations, to report annually to the president, and to make recommendations on Native American issues and on the relationship between CMU and Native American groups in the state.

CMU is waiting for a response from its appeal. Florida State University was the first school to file an appeal with the NCAA and the organization granted an exemption for the Seminole nickname to be allowed.

Editor's Note: The following is an excerpt from the Aug. 30 USA Today.

Central Michigan fights to keep nickname
The Central Michigan Chippewas are the second school to file an appeal of the NCAA's new restrictions on the use of Native American nicknames and imagery. School spokesman Steve Smith said he does not know when to expect a decision. The Florida State Seminoles were given a waiver from the restrictions last week in an expedited review by NCAA staff. NCAA spokesman Erik Christianson said the appeal was received Monday and will be addressed soon. Eighteen schools originally were cited for "hostile and abusive" nicknames and made subject to restrictions in NCAA championships when the policy begins Feb. 1. According to Smith, Central Michigan's appeal includes documents signed by tribe officials "recognizing the agreement and supporting the use of the nickname." The NCAA has said permission from local namesake tribes would be a primary factor considered in any appeal.

Editor's Note: The following is an excerpt from the Aug. 30 USA Today.

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