<p>official ruling:
<a href="http://www2.ncaa.org/portal/media_and_events/press_room/2006/may/20060516_wandm_mascot_rls.html%5B/url%5D">http://www2.ncaa.org/portal/media_and_events/press_room/2006/may/20060516_wandm_mascot_rls.html</a></p>
<p>
[quote]
The committee also recognizes the support from the Virginia tribal leaders but notes that while not all Native Americans are of the same mind with regard to the effect of such nicknames, mascots and imagery, a significant majority of the two million individuals who designate themselves as solely Native American concur that stereotyping of their culture and customs has contributed to a continuation of the hostile or abusive environment in which they have been placed for generations.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>
[quote]
The committee believes that while the colleges rationale for the use of the nickname and imagery is not inherently hostile or abusive, and the college may not intend to malign Native Americans, the continued use of such Native American references creates an environment over which an institution may not have full control. Fans, opponents, and others can and will exhibit behaviors that indeed are hostile or abusive to Native Americans. [mine - like 50,000 drunk FSU fans doing the tomahawk chop]
[/quote]
</p>
<p>article about the ruling:
<a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/college/3868330.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/college/3868330.html</a></p>
<p>W&M will be appealing the ruling:
<a href="http://www.wm.edu/news/index.php?id=5855%5B/url%5D">http://www.wm.edu/news/index.php?id=5855</a></p>
<p>
[quote]
The NCAA's varied interpretations of mascot policywhat it allows and what it rejectsare impossible to comprehend or justify. It is unsurprising, therefore, that the U. S. Congress is considering taking the matter out of the Association's hands. It remains my belief that the William and Mary athletic program should be touted as a national model for unparalleled academics and athletics.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Thats absolutely ridiculous. They never said anything about Florida State, and they are the Seminoles, with one of their main logos being a spear with a feather on it. Oh yeah, and what about the Fighting Illini of Illinois..?</p>
<p>Dean J, doesn't your mascot over there have a feather on his hat? He better watch out too!</p>
<p>and actually, FSU and Illinois were both on the list that came out last year. Illinois had to get rid of their mascot, but can keep their name because they can claim it refers to the people who live in the state of Illinois. (Apparently "fighting Illini" was offensive but not "fighting Irish", right) FSU appealed and can keep theirs b/c the seminole tribe of Florida supports them and says it's not offensive. Apparently all the local Indian tribes saying they aren't offended isn't good enough for non Big Time athletics W&M.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Since there is no namesake tribe with whom we can discuss our use of the nickname "Tribe," we have spoken to and met with the chiefs and leaders of four Virginia Indian tribes historically located near the William and Mary campus. The four chiefs with whom these matters were discussed are Chief Steve Adkins, Chickahominy; Chief Marvin Bradby, Eastern Chickahominy; Chief William Miles, Pamunkey, and Chief Carl Custalow, Mattaponi. Chief Bradby indicated that the use of the term "Tribe", as opposed to derogatory characterizations such as "Redskins", was acceptable. President Nichol met with Chief Adkins, who expressed the view that the use of the term "Tribe"
was inoffensive. Chief Miles, with whom President Nichol also spoke, indicated, "I speak for my tribe in saying that there is no perception whatsoever that William & Mary uses the term Tribe in a negative way. We're worried about poverty, homelessness, health care and the like for our people. Not the use of the name Tribe." Chief Custalow reported similar sentiments.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Fortunately our athletes can read, which is more than can be said for some that play minor league football down in Florida. Maybe the NCAA should worry about THAT instead. You know, instead of creating problems wehre there aren't any.</p>
<p>ps the NCAA is headquartered in INDIANapolis. That's offensive, they should move.</p>
<p>maybe we can change to the "W&M offensive feathers"</p>
<p>Hahaha Soccerguy, I think the feather on a cavalier's hat has different connotations than one connected w/ Native Americans. Nonetheless, I have to agree w/ you. I think some people take political-correctness too far.</p>