Sports Editor
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Date: 16 Jan 2001
Time: 18:05:39
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http://www.und.edu/org/ds/_issues/2001/01/12/sports/evan_nelson_column.html
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Sports Editor |
You have been taken advantage of and the wool has been securely set over your eyes.
As you know, the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education has voted to keep the Fighting Sioux nickname and use the new mascot Ñ a more realistic depiction of a Native American.
For the duration of reading this column, put aside your thoughts on the name issue. This is not going to be a piece on that Ñ it is difficult enough to form a well-informed opinion when it comes to the Fighting Sioux nickname without a Dakota Student Sports editor trying to sway you to think the same way he does. And furthermore, that opinion should be personal, for that reason my opinion on the issue will not be printed in these pages.
I want you all to think Ñ without bias Ñ about what has taken place over the past semester of school, and for that matter the past decade. Your love and devotion for UND athletics has been used as a tool against you, a tool for the rich and/or powerful to wield their will.
Without your blind faith in all things Sioux, certain alumni would not have been able to get away with what they did.
What did they get away with, you might ask? They have used their influence incorrectly, to make things the way they want them to be, without thought towards others; and they have used that influence to overstep their bounds and put their fingers into a pie that has long since passed as their own.
I have no problem with donating money to one's alma mater, in fact I find that to be an honorable and decent gesture. But when said donation is used to exercise your will, all philanthropy is lost and it becomes a political back-room move, with handshakes and winks becoming binding legal signatures.
I have no problem with a state committee being concerned with the welfare of a particular university. What occurred over the winter holiday, however, was not an act of concern for well-being, it was an act of malice and contempt towards a perfectly capable leader of an institution.
With their unanimous vote to keep the name and change the mascot, the members of the Board of Higher Education in effect said that UND President Charles Kupchella was incapable of making decisions Ñ decisions that the Board of Higher Education hired Kupchella to make.
Kupchella is a strong man, with the experience and fortitude to make these decisions and lead this university. Now his leadership has been rubbed out, vanquished in a committee meeting that he himself was attending. Any future for the man is now shadowed by a cloud of alumni politics, with benefactors and committees peering over his shoulder, shaking their head to stop the stroke of his pen.
President Kupchella, start updating your resume. Move on to a place where you can be trusted and respected.
All this was made possible by an undying love for Sioux athletics in and around the state of North Dakota. Nothing more, nothing less. People have used sports in the way that it was not intended. The Ancients devised athletics as a series of contests to peacefully prove one's worth and skill. Now sports has been used as a rationalization for the destruction of an individual's leadership and the undermining of a university.
Keep the name, change the name Ñ it doesn't matter. What matters is ethics and integrity Ñ abstract words whose meanings are lost in places like Bismark and Las Vegas.
Evan Nelson is the Sports editor for the Dakota Student. He can be reached via e-mail at evan15und@hotmail.com
Photo Editor |
So you go to the local bottleshops and research different kinds of beer. You even go straight to the source and talk to the brewers of the beer, to see what they think. You see, this is a real important party, and a lot depends on the beer you choose. The whole week, all you can think is, "I'll decide."
But then on Thursday, your friends (who did no research at all) tell you that they'll decide; that you are an insignificant pawn who has no say in the type of beer that will be consumed at your own party. They were afraid you'd pick a beer they didn't like.
Maybe you would like their beer, maybe you wouldn't. But the fact that they went over your head and decided to keep the Fighting Sioux nickname should be enough to piss anyone off.
Whoops, I slipped there. But you see my point. The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE), in an 8-0 vote, said to hell with President Kupchella's right to decide what goes on at his own university.
The very board that elected him to make these decisions said, "No, you can't make this decision."
Do you want to know why they said that? Because they are ignorant bigots whose love for money dictates their actions. We are ruled by the Almighty Buck, and there's no denying that now.
I keep picturing President Kupchella last year, holding up a green T-shirt to a crowd with white letters spelling "I'll decide." And he really believed that. A commission was formed. He visited all North Dakota reservations and visited with all North Dakota tribes. And for what? So he could see the Board make the decision for him, because they were afraid he might change the name.
Pathetic.
The SBHE is forcing us to not only keep the Fighting Sioux name, but adopt the new "Indian head" logo. We have no say in this matter. President Kupchella has no say in this matter. We should all be mad as hell, and voice our opposition to this policy-setting action. Because if eight people sitting in an office in Bismarck can force us to do this, imagine what else they could force us to do.
Eight unanimously ignorant white people, deciding what is best for UND and native people. Oh, but according to Board President Bill Isaacson, we are all Native American, as long as we were born in America. Yeah, sure Bill. You sound smart there.
There's nothing quite like seeing a high-ranking Bismarck figure make light of a politically correct term, alienate a whole culture of people ... and get away with it. Only in North Dakota ...
And then there's our SBHE student representative Jason Bernhardt claiming to know what the focus of Native Programs at UND should be. And all but threatening to force a change within those programs.
Wow. A little power hungry, aren't we JB? I wonder if you asked the Native students who you're representing what they thought of the Native Programs' administrators.
In fact, I wonder what, if any, research any member of the Board did before hastily and disrespectfully making this decision. It seems as if influence from Lord Engelstad was all the research they needed.
I grew up in this state, and until now have been proud to say so. But no more. And our elected officials wonder why young people leave the state? I wouldn't want to be here either when the media hellstorm comes down on this issue.
Think of how bad the national news media could make us look. Think how horribly racist shows like "60 Minutes," "48 Hours" and "20/20" could make us out to be. They could paint the state of North Dakota as bigoted ignorant fools who are easily bought and even more easily sold.
Let me ask you Bismarck: Would they be wrong?
Al Nowatzki is the photo editor of the Dakota Student. He can be reached via e-mail at alnowatzki@hotmail.com
Before he could come to any conclusion either way, however, the decision was made by his superiors.
In a unanimous vote by the eight member State Board of Higher Education (SBHE), the controversial nickname issue came to an abrupt end. Only hours before the Board's meeting was there any reason to believe that the decision would be taken out of Kupchella's hands.
Just two months ago, SBHE President Bill Isaacson said that he felt this was a university issue to be handled at the university level. However, circumstances persuaded the Board to take up the issue.
"I became sensitized as this issue continued to mount," Isaacson said. "The decision (Kupchella) was going to make was not the issue. Whatever the decision, it was likely to affect all campuses."
Kupchella had been studying the nickname issue since he took office in July of 1999. A fact-finding commission appointed by Kupchella worked for six months to examine the various sides of the issue and provide the university president with methods for managing the consequences of his decision.
The Board has always had jurisdiction in this matter, a fact that Nickname Commission Chairman Phil Harmeson has kept in mind.
"The State Board always had that option," Harmeson said. "All along the commission there was emphasis on the importance of the State Board."
Although the commission members may have realized that the Board could step in, the results of their work and efforts were not directly examined by Board members.
"Some of them said to me, 'I don't know enough about this'," Kupchella said. "They didn't ask me for any backup information or materials on the issue."
Kupchella's determination to examine the issue thoroughly has prompted various e-mails to the Board questioning the level of fairness with which Board members approached their decision. Board members admit that they had not discussed alternatives or concessions, and SBHE member Charles Stroup stated that the issue was not thoroughly weighed.
Kupchella was asked to give a briefing to the Board and Isaacson stressed that he wanted to have discussion prior to any motion on the issue.
However, discussion was limited to Board members giving their personal opinion. Former SBHE President and current member Jeanette Satrom made a motion to retain the nickname and include the Indian head logo by artist Bennett Brien.
"There really wasn't much discussion," Satrom said. "If a motion is brought forward and if there is no discussion you go to the vote."
Though Board members have expressed complete confidence in Kupchella, some felt that they had a better grasp of the issue.
"I came at this thing with a very open mind," Isaacson said. "I think the Board looked at it with a broader perspective."
Some also felt that the Native American population's understanding of the nickname's use was inaccurate.
"Some of the tribal requests have not been as forthright as they seem. We weren't clear as to what information the tribes had to make their decisions with," Board member and UND student Jason Bernhardt said.
"We've all been here longer than Kupchella. I think what President Kupchella was doing was good to get himself informed," he continued.
Backed Into a Corner
Board members' had a broad reasoning behind supporting the Fighting Sioux nickname.
"The financial ramifications of changing the UND moniker were a major concern," Board member Craig Caspers said.
Isaacson felt that the issue could have affected the Board's agenda from moving forward. Others feared the issue would find its way to the North Dakota State Legislature.
"I think there were legislators that were going to deal with the issue unless we did it," Satrom said.
North Dakota University System Chancellor Larry Isaak made a statement to the Board sighting that because of significant interest from students, alumni, employees, Native Americans, and state and local policymakers the issue had potential ramifications beyond UND.
According to Bernhardt such mounting interest put pressure on the Board.
"We were backed into a corner," Bernhardt said. "According to other Board members they've had some pretty angry neighbors. It got to be a really sour deal toward the end."
Best for who?
Isaacson said that he feels this is the best decision for North Dakota at this time and Kupchella said he does look at this decision as open-ended.
"We're still considering the issue," Kupchella said. "We want to find a way to deal with the negative impacts (of keeping the nickname and new logo). We want to try and get tribal support."
The Spirit Lake Tribe of Indians, the one Sioux tribe within North Dakota's borders that has not officially opposed the nickname, has issued a resolution asking Kupchella to keep them informed of activities concerning the name issue and to extend the time period in which he planned to make an announcement on the name change. There are tribal schools with Native American nicknames and Kupchella believes that there must be some way the name can be used.
"The gap is that if we do it without their permission it is 'us' doing it to 'them'," Kupchella said. "We need to include them."
Other factors in the still-lively controversy include calls for a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate and demeaning behavior at UND sporting events.
"It's not like we're starting from zero," Kupchella said. "We have a zero-tolerance policy now. We now need to reemphasize that."
As matters such as policy and jurisdiction continue to come up the UND nickname may still change.
"It's not a matter of if, but when," Isaacson said. "At this time it's best for North Dakota."
Some say commission work in vainThe fact-finding commission appointed by UND President Charles Kupchella had completed months of work and devoted precious time to the issue of UND's nickname. A decision was made by the State Board of Higher Education just as Kupchella was nearing a decision himself. He had established the nickname commission a year ago to study the issue in order to help him manage the decision. The commission consisted of 17 members, some alumni, students, faculty, administrators tribal leaders and other concerned citizens. The commission had released their findings in December. Mike Jacobsen, the UND chair of social work, was a member of the commission. "I was disappointed, discouraged and even more alienated from portions of North Dakota," Jacobsen said. "We on the commission spent a lot of time on this issue, we weren't consulted by the State Board. The decision made by the State Board is discouraging. For some this will be the straw that broke the camel's back." Fellow commission member Leigh Jeanotte, the director of the UND Office of Native American Programs agreed with Jacobsen. "Apparently the work of the commission was futile, none of the information was used," he said. "As far as I am concerned, I am not surprised. I was surprised that the State Board came forth to take the decision from the president. I hope this doesn't set a precedent. It also says some things about the Presidents leadership." Cynthia Mala, executive director of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission, responded to the decision with surprise and disappointment. "First is the manner in which they took action Ñ not on the agenda, no notice/discussion. Second, is the apparent disregard for the Tribal government and Tribal leaders and State/Tribal relations. Thirdly, by taking the decision away from President Kupchella they have undermined his authority and leadership for the institution and the various constituencies he must deal with, including Tribal leaders. It is disappointing in that you have high public officials who set policies relative to education in North Dakota and the future of education in North Dakota, who have taken the decision from the president without knowledge of both sides of the issue. The State Board's action is reflective of what many people get frustrated about in North Dakota government Ñ micromanagement." Responses by commission members varied, such as those shared by Fred Lukens, a former UND basketball player. "I felt that keeping the name and doing things at the university to educate and promote awareness of Sioux culture and traditions would be a beneficial thing. As far as the decision of the State Board I think that's fine," he said. "It was unfair to use a new president who has no history with the university or local ties to decide [the issue]," Rich Becker, past president of the UND Alumni Association, said. There were those who felt the decision made by the State Board was coming. "I had at the last couple of meetings said that the State Board would be interested, they couldn't duck this issue, although they gave the issue to the president," George Sinner, former governor of North Dakota, said. "I wasn't surprised. They did what they thought was best." Roger Thomas, UND athletics director, said he feels that this marks the beginning of a new period of growth for UND. The commission, in its effort to find common ground between the two sides, created a 'to do' list for UND providing for the decision, no matter which way it went. "We have to get to work to do what the commission was designed (for). We have a long list of appropriate moves, now comes the time to get busy and do what the commission laid out," Thomas said. While some saw an end to this issue with the Board's vote, others felt that the dialogue can only continue, as it has done before. "I think that the affect on this UND controversy will continue and probably become even more conflicting," Jacobsen said. "I think that some Native students and faculty will leave, plus some faculty who aren't Native. As convictions continue to intensify, it will be difficult for UND to attract and reach minority students and faculty who take cultural sensitivity seriously." Mala also feels the issue is far from over. "There has already been action/words by several Indian leaders questioning the decision and possible repercussions," Mala said. "For some of us, this is the 'same 'old story' as to how Indian people have been treated and apparently how we will continue to be treated Ñ Indians don't matter or our opinion is of no consequence."
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Students reflect on Board decisionAs students were finishing up their Fall 2000 finals, the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) introduced a motion regarding the use of the Fighting Sioux moniker. The 8-0 vote that followed during their Dec. 21 meeting means that the University of North Dakota will remain the Fighting Sioux and include the new logo designed by artist Bennett Brien. Now, as students return to campus, feelings are mixed regarding the issue. "I didn't think it was a good decision. I think President Kupchella should have been able to make that decision. I would have liked to have seen the name changed," Teaching and Learning senior Deborah Gettemy said. Junior Jeremy Trostad said he is glad the SBHE got involved. "I think it's very good that they did because things could have really gotten out of hand," Trostad, an Industrial Technology major, said. "I think it's good they're keeping it the way it is, otherwise things like money could become a problem with alumni and things like that." "I thought it was a good decision," senior Amanda Brown, a Criminal Justice major, said. "I believe the Fighting Sioux name should remain here at UND. I think the Board's decision to take it out of Kupchella's hands was a good decision. I just feel like he hasn't been here long enough to make a decision that large." A majority of students agreed with keeping the name, but not all agreed with how it happened. "It's right to keep the name, but I think they could have made a little smarter decision, or needed some more facts before the decision," freshman Jeff Baygood said. "I kind of wish (Kupchella) made the decision because he's on the campus, he kind of knows firsthand what the reaction will be, not like wherever the Board of Education is. He's there, he's heard it, he's seeing it in front of him." Many doubted the Board's knowledge of the issue. "I don't think they were really taking into consideration the needs and the feelings of the students and the faculty," Gettemy said. "Instead I see it as more of a political move. It was more about the money and things like that than what was right for the people who actually go to the school." Senior Laura Oliver was surprised the Board stepped in. "It would have been nice to hear more of the conversation and dialogue that went on with the commission," she said. "I didn't seem like a lot of what came out. I think (Kupchella) should have been able to voice his decision before they stepped in because I don't think the State Board had a lot of background information and research that President Kupchella and the commission have had." Student Body President Berly Nelson said he had heard that the Board might take action on the issue, but thought they might wait until their January meeting to do so. "I was a little shocked that it happened so abruptly, but I wasn't surprised," Nelson said. "The board has the final say over the president and I think President Kupchella wasn't happy that they decided, but I'm sure it has to be a burden of some sort lifted off his shoulders." The UND Student Senate passed a resolution for Kupchella to wait until students had returned for the spring semester to announce his decision rather than to announce it during the break. "Students didn't want to feel left out (of Kupchella's decision) and that's something I think that they're going to feel from this. The timing wasn't so great with that regard. A majority of students weren't on campus, but that was just when the State Board's meeting was scheduled," Nelson said. "I would guess that the students who oppose the nickname will be obviously upset with the decision and a lot of people feel cheated that the Board made the decision. The president of the State Board wanted to make it very clear to me that they had no intention of going around anyone, they didn't want anyone to be cheated," Nelson said. "I think they did it with good intention. I just hope that the issue will be resolved as best as it can be and hopefully we can do the best with what decision has been given to us." The Dakota Student reserves copyright privilege for all stories written and published by the staff. Permission must be given by the editor to reprint or repost any story, cartoon, photograph, or part thereof. Copyright © Dakota Student 2001.
Last updated: 12-Jan-01 @ 4:00 PM CDT
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