NCAA Approves Chippewa Nickname Appeal
9/2/2005 12:00:00 AM | General
Sept. 2, 2005
MOUNT PLEASANT -- Central Michigan University has been removed from the list of institutions that were cited by the NCAA as "hostile and abusive" in using the Chippewa nickname.
"Therefore, inasmuch, as Central Michigan's use of the Chippewa name and associated imagery has received the approval of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan, the university will not be subject to the terms of the policy," wrote the NCAA in a letter.
"The university is pleased by the NCAA's decision to remove CMU from the list of universities deemed to be hostile and abusive in the use of the Chippewa nickname," said CMU President Michael Rao. "CMU cherishes its ongoing relationship with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. The university appreciates the NCAA's timely response to its appeal and the university is pleased to put this chapter behind it."
CMU proudly continues to use the Chippewa nickname with respect and dignity.
CMU adopted the "Chippewa" nickname in 1942 to celebrate the rich Native American heritage of the mid-Michigan region. CMU does not support any derogatory and stereotypical use of the name, and the institution prohibits the use of American Indian images, symbols or mascots.
CMU is honored to be associated with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe; however, with that association comes a great responsibility to support an educational environment that is sensitive to American Indian issues. This has fostered collaborative educational efforts, invitations to host cultural events and speakers, and the provision of extensive American Indian educational resources to the campus community.