The Chief Gets to Keep His Job

By Jeninne Lee-St. John

The NCAA ruled last week that Florida State University can keep using its Seminole mascot, decreeing that Chief Osceola is not "hostile and abusive" after all and thus may continue cheerleading in the postseason. The decision has given a boost to some of 17 other schools whose American Indian nicknames the NCAA has barred from play-off games. Central Michigan University (the Chippewas) and the University of Utah (the Utes) are also appealing the ban and, as Florida State did so successfully, are lining up local tribes to attest to their "long-standing relationships."

The University of North Dakota will use a similar approach in its bid to remain the Fighting Sioux. Says president Charles Kupchella: "We have a mission that supports Native Americans." Still, several tribes in the Dakotas have asked the school to drop the name, which Standing Rock Sioux tribal chairman Charles Murphy has called "a caricature." That term could also apply to the Savages of Southeastern Oklahoma State and the Redmen of Wisconsin's Carthage College. But both schools cite their educational partnerships with Native American groups and say they will make a community decision about the names. --By Jeninne Lee-St. John