"WHEREAS the National Collegiate Athletic Association has adopted a policy declaring the use of Native American mascots by its member
institutions to be hostile and abusive and further declaring that
member institutions using such imagery will not be allowed to host any NCAA
post season championship event; display such imagery at championship
events, and references to Native American mascots can not be displayed
or used by other groups associated with member institutions, such as
cheerleaders, dance teams, bands, spirit groups, etc., at such events,
and
WHEREAS other difficulties (e.g., athletic scheduling, university
image, student and faculty recruitment, etc.) may affect institutions that
continue to use such Native American imagery, and
WHEREAS Arkansas State University is a voluntary member of the NCAA
and, as such, is subject to this policy, and
WHEREAS Arkansas State University seeks to continue its participation
in NCAA intercollegiate athletics at the highest level and without
sanctions, and
WHEREAS Arkansas State University "Indians" and Native American
imagery, including Chief Big Track, the Indian Brave and Indian Princess (Indian
Family), have constituted ASU's mascot brands since 1931, and
WHEREAS Arkansas State University desires to ensure an atmosphere of
sensitivity and respect for all its students, faculty, staff, and other
constituencies, and
WHEREAS the Mascot Review Committee is mindful that it has been charged
with seeking a recommendation that is in the best long term interest of
the University and has considered the question of "retiring" ASU's
Indian mascot and associated Native American imagery and has attempted
to involve representatives of the entire ASU constituency in this
process,
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Mascot Review Committee recommends to
the Chancellor of Arkansas State University, that this
University officially retire the name "Indians" and Indian Family -
together with all Native American imagery connected to the
intercollegiate athletic program. Such action to be effective on a
specific date to be determined by the Board of Trustees; and that the
University seek written assurance from the that upon that date and
as a result of this action, Arkansas State University will be
immediately removed from the list of "non-complying" institutions as
currently published by the NCAA Further, the committee recommends
that "retirement" observances as appropriate for the Indian Family be
held with dignity and honor on dates and occasions to be determined;
and displays and/or exhibits be developed at suitable locations on the
Jonesboro campus, to ensure this tradition (i.e., the Indian Family,
nickname, etc.) is remembered as part of the history of Arkansas State
University."