SCSU PROTESTS UND Nickname at Hockey Game

Central Minnesota news for Saturday, November 3, 2001

Two fans of the University of North Dakota Sioux, who did not want to give their names, wait Friday night to enter the National Hockey Center. About 75 students and faculty from St. Cloud State University and North Dakota gathered before the hockey game to call for a change of the logo that is perceived by some to be racist. (Times photo by Joaquin Siopack)

3 November, 2001 Group protests UND nickname Kelly Scott Staff Writer

The cries of those protesting the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname and Indian head logo fell somewhat on deaf ears Friday night at St. Cloud State University's National Hockey Center.

The Sioux took the ice Friday night to play the Huskies wearing jerseys featuring a depiction of an American Indian chief. St. Cloud State University, through the National Collegiate Athletic Association and Western Collegiate Hockey Association, had asked North Dakota to not wear jerseys with the nickname and logo.

Protesters lined the sidewalks leading to the entrances of the hockey center before the game began, talking and holding signs to help share with those coming to the game why they believe the North Dakota logo and nickname are derogatory.

"Our culture is not for sale," said Wang Vang, a student at St. Cloud State who protested. "It's deeper than just applying to Native Americans."

Many protested the nickname and logo saying that they perpetuate racism, do little to promote humanity and are insulting to American Indians.

The protest followed an afternoon of presentations and speeches, sponsored by campus groups, about the impact of American Indian nicknames.

"I'm here to support St. Cloud State in stopping racism on our campus," said Lucy Gange, a protester and North Dakota faculty member. "The racism on our campus seeps out to other campuses, too. It stereotypes a culture and teaches that a culture can be bought."

Many fans, including a few wearing Sioux jerseys, simply ignored the protesters and walked into the game. The protesters only found the entrance where most Sioux fans were entering the arena about 15 minutes before the game began. During the second period, the protesters walked the main aisle on the visitor's side and they were booed.

"I couldn't have cared less," Roger Cole, a fan who wore a Sioux sweatshirt with the logo, said of the protesters.

The protest, which lasted an hour and spilled into the second-deck of the hockey arena once the game began, highlighted a week of back-and-forth requests, denials and statements about St. Cloud State's position that University of North Dakota change its name and not wear its jerseys depicting the logos when playing sports in St. Cloud.

North Dakota coaches have said throughout the week that the would've considered not wearing their jerseys ado rned with an Indian head logo had St. Cloud State officials made the request.

"As far as I know, we haven't heard anything," said Kelly Sauer, assistant media relations for North Dakota sports. "They're wearing their regular away jerseys."

St. Cloud State officials said their opposition to the jerseys was clear and that they made their request through the WCHA and NCAA. St. Cloud State President Roy Saigo has asked WCHA and NCAA to ban American Indian mascots. At least one official said no new request was made for games Friday and tonight.

"We're not interested in taking this on as a single university," said Lisa Helmin Foss, university spokeswoman. "We made the request as a policy issue."

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