>>> <[log in to unmask]> 01/27/06 8:31 PM >>>

School's Name Change Doesn't Satisfy Some

.c The Associated Press 

DURANT, Okla. (AP) - Some American Indian groups say Southeastern Oklahoma 
State officials made a poor decision when they changed the school's nickname 
from the Savages to the Savage Storm.

``It remains a slap in the face to all Native Americans and needs to be 
retired along with other images deemed racially harmful,'' said Cindy Martin, a 
member of the Tulsa Indian Coalition Against Racism.

The group says the school should have removed the word, savage, rather than 
continue to use it in modified form.

The Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges approved the name change Jan. 20. A 
new logo is still being developed. No American Indian imagery will be 
associated with the new nickname.

Glen Johnson, university president, said an advisory committee of Indian 
students, school alumni and administrators carefully chose the new name. Other 
names that were considered included ``The Stampede.''

``We have tried to be deliberate and thorough,'' Johnson said. ``We feel that 
now Savages has nothing to do with Native Americans, but more of being a 
fierce competitor.''

The change of nickname came after adoption of a new NCAA policy that 
prohibits colleges and universities from displaying hostile ethnic mascots or imagery 
at any regional championship games. The policy also prohibits those schools 
from hosting postseason championship events.

Choctaw tribal leaders, whose headquarters are in Durant, said the name 
change was welcome.

``When you change tradition, you want to keep as much tradition as you can,'' 
Chief Greg Pyle said. ``We find that works in our tribe.''


 
01/27/06 12:01 EST