PEORIA, Ill. -- The NCAA has rejected Bradley University's
bid to be taken off a list of colleges whose American Indian
nicknames, mascots and logos will be banned in postseason play
starting next year.
An NCAA staff review committee ruled on Thursday that the Braves
nickname creates an environment where fans, opponents and others
can exhibit behavior hostile and abusive to Native Americans.
"By continuing to use Native American references in nicknames,
institutions assume responsibility over an environment they can not
fully control," the committee's written ruling said.
The committee commended Bradley for dropping its American Indian
mascot and logos about a decade ago. But it also said Bradley could
have sent a clear signal of respect for American Indians by also
dropping its nearly 70-year-old nickname.
Bradley released a two-sentence statement saying the private
college "now is considering its options, which could include an
appeal to the Executive Committee of the NCAA." University
officials declined further comment.
Bradley has argued the nickname now symbolizes attributes such as
courage and honor. The school also said the NCAA was inconsistent
when it applied the ban, allowing eight schools to use the nickname
Warriors because they have dropped mascots and logos, like Bradley.
The 6,100-student school was among 18 schools banned in August
from using American Indian nicknames, mascots and logos in
postseason play, beginning next year. The schools also are barred
from hosting postseason events.
The Florida State Seminoles, Central Michigan Chippewas and Utah Utes were exempted because of support from local American Indian
tribes. An appeal by the North Dakota Fighting Sioux was rejected
because it did not have the backing of Sioux tribes in the state.
Illinois is awaiting a decision on its bid to be removed from the
list.
Bradley can appeal the ruling to the NCAA's executive committee.