Order stalls U of N.D. nickname change

GRAND FORKS, N.D., Nov. 11 (UPI) -- A state judge ordered the University of North Dakota to hold off on plans to change the school's nickname from the Fighting Sioux.

The order was granted to an American Indian group that supports keeping the moniker intact.

The Grand Forks Herald reported Wednesday education officials planned to meet with state Attorney General Wayne Stenejham Thursday to discuss the matter.

The newspaper said the issue stems from a settlement between the state and the NCAA, in which the university agreed to drop the nickname and Indian head logo next year. While the school had expressed eagerness in implementing the name change so it can join the Summit League, it hasn't started the process of selecting a new nickname and logo.

An attorney representing Sioux tribes in North Dakota contends they are legal beneficiaries in the NCAA settlement and are entitled to weigh in on the matter.

The Herald said the Spirit Lake reservation voted to keep the name while those at Standing Rock have yet to organize a referendum.