Letter from President Cofer to the NCAA dated December 8, 2005

Dr. Bernard Franklin
Senior Vice President for Governance & Membership
The National Collegiate Athletic Association
700 W. Washington
P.O. Box 6222
Indianapolis IN 46206-6222

Dear Dr. Franklin:

The University of Louisiana at Monroe respectfully requests clarification from the NCAA concerning the continued use of the mascot name “Indians.”  This decision is critical as the “Indians” mascot and logo have represented the university since its inception in 1931.

Since the tribes that populated the northeastern region of Louisiana died out or moved on during the first millennium, the University initiated efforts to obtain support from the three tribes that are recognized federally in our part of Louisiana the Tunica-Biloxi, the Chitimacha, and the Coushatta.  An explanation of our efforts and the provision of the ULM/NCAA Self Study along with a request for endorsement were presented for consideration by the leadership of each tribe.

In response to the above request, the Coushatta Tribe provided a letter of support.  At this time the University of Louisiana at Monroe is asking for clarification on the question; since there is no longer a resident local indigenous Native American tribe, will the endorsement of a federally recognized Louisiana Native America Tribe be a viable substitute for the indigenous tribe’s endorsement as specified in the appeal procedure? If not, the University would appreciate a ruling on the part of the NCAA so we can expeditiously move ahead.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.  You are encouraged to contact me should there be any questions regarding this correspondence.

Sincerely,

James E. Cofer, President

Letter from the NCAA to President Cofer dated December 15, 2005

President James E. Cofer
The University of Louisiana at Monroe
700 University Avenue
Monroe, LA  71209-3000

Dear President Cofer:

It was good to speak to you last week. The NCAA staff reviewed your request for clarification on whether, in the absence of a local indigenous Native American tribe, the endorsement of a federally recognized Louisiana Native American tribe would be a viable substitute in support of the nickname "Indians."

The position from which the NCAA staff review committee began its deliberations is that there is a rebuttable presumption that the use of Native American mascots, names and/or imagery by member institutions for their athletics teams and programs creates a hostile or abusive environment for members of the campus community and/or general public who are subjected to it and/or the student athletes involved in NCAA championship competition. Specifically, the Association's principle of nondiscrimination states in part: “The Association shall promote an atmosphere of respect for and sensitivity to the dignity of every person.” At an ever increasing rate of occurrence and volume, Native Americans have expressed their objection to the use of names, terms, imagery and mascots associated with athletic teams. The term “Indians” is among those Native Americans find objectionable. While the university's rationale for the use of the nickname may not inherently be hostile or abusive, and the university may not intend to malign Native Americans, the continued use of Native American references as nicknames, creates an environment over which the institution may not have full control. Fans, opponents and others can and will exhibit behaviors that indeed are hostile or abusive to Native Americans.

The staff review committee believes that the use of a generic Native American reference like “Indians” or “Braves” cannot be mitigated by the concurrence of any Native American tribe. No Native American tribe “owns” the word “Indians” in the same way it owns the tribal name and, therefore, cannot overcome the presumption position taken by the NCAA Executive Committee that the use of such names leads to a hostile or abusive environment. In this regard, while the support of the Coushatta Tribe would likely be sufficient to endorse the university's use of its official tribal name (Coushatta), it does not suffice as an endorsement of the use of the generic term “Indians.”

I would point out that the NCAA policy governs championships participation and hosting opportunities and does not preclude an institution from autonomously selecting and using a mascot or nickname of its choice during regular season and conference competition. The Association supports the concept of institutional autonomy and recognizes the right and responsibility of each institution to address these issues at the campus level. However, consistent with its core principles pertaining to cultural diversity, ethical sportsmanship and nondiscrimination, the Executive Committee's policy reinforces the belief that stereotyping Native Americans through nicknames and imagery is wrong. In this regard, Louisiana-Monroe may choose to continue the use of the nickname “Indians” but, as such, would be subject to the restrictions set forth in the policy.

It is also important to note that there is an appeals process for any decision that is reached by the staff review committee. If an institution disagrees with a decision by the staff review committee, an appeal can be filed with the Executive Committee. Depending on an institution's divisional affiliation, appeals will be reviewed by the appropriate presidential governance entity for a recommendation to the Executive Committee. (In the case of Louisiana-Monroe, it is the NCAA Division I Board of Directors.)

I hope this information is helpful as you work through these issues on your campus and in your community. We certainly recognize the sensitivity and complexity of these matters, and we stand ready to provide assistance as needed.


Sincerely,


Bernard W. Franklin
Senior Vice President for Governance and Membership