Dalrymple signs Sioux nickname repeal

BISMARCK, N.D., Nov. 10 (UPI) -- North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple signed legislation repealing the state law that mandates the University of North Dakota's nickname be the Fighting Sioux.

The bill signing Wednesday and legislative action leading up to it was bittersweet for lawmakers and UND alumni who identified with Fighting Sioux teams, the Grand Forks (N.D.) Herald reported.

"Since I was a little girl who made day trips from Bismarck to Grand Forks to watch Fighting Sioux sports, I have identified this name and symbol with an institution that I love very much," Rep. Stacey Dahl, R-Grand Forks, during debate on the North Dakota House floor Wednesday. "It is emotional and difficult to imagine one without the other."

The House approved the repeal bill Wednesday 63-31 the day after the Senate approved the bill 39-7.

In 2005, the NCAA adopted a policy that sought to eliminate use of American Indian names, mascots and imagery by member schools.

The Spirit Lake tribe last week sued the NCAA for blocking its attempt to let the University of North Dakota use the sports nickname Fighting Sioux. Tribal attorney Reed Soderstrom said the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court challenges the NCAA's policy banning the use of Native American names and imagery by collegiate athletic teams.

In August, the decision was made to stop using the nickname following a meeting among North Dakota lawmakers, higher education personnel and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

At that meeting, the NCAA made clear to North Dakota officials the sports organization's policy against the use of Native American nicknames and imagery, as agreed upon in a 2007 lawsuit settlement, applies to the college.