It is a cheap, easy and ugly shot to ridicule North Dakota State University students for taking a principled stand against the use and abuse of logos and mascots that reinforce negative stereotyping of minority groups.
After hearing firsthand from American Indians and others how offensive such use actually is, these students carefully researched the issues. One of them said in a meeting, "we educated ourselves and now we can no longer claim ignorance; that's why we had to speak out; we had to do what was right."
I am very proud of these students for their leadership, and I am not alone. In fact, on Dec. 9, the NDSU University Senate -- comprised of administration, faculty, staff and students -- unanimously approved a motion in support of these students' efforts.
Ineke Justitz
Associate Professor, Department of History North Dakota State University Fargo
