UND sued the NCAA over a 2005 mandate that bars schools with Indian nicknames and logos from using them in postseason play or hosting playoff games. The NCAA considered UND's nickname "hostile and abusive" to Indians. UND said it uses the nickname with respect.
Leaders at the Standing Rock Sioux reservation have been firm in their opposition to the nickname. Tribal Chairman Ron His Horse Is Thunder personally opposes it, and the Tribal Council has passed a resolution reaffirming its opposition.
His Horse Is Thunder sent a letter and a copy of the council's anti-nickname resolution to a state Board of Higher Education meeting late last year.
At the same meeting, board members endorsed Chancellor William Goetz's proposal that he meet personally with Pearson and His Horse Is Thunder to discuss the nickname issue. He is to report the results of his efforts at the board's Feb. 21 meeting in Mayville.
Goetz, who has said the board should not rely on resolutions and media stories in making decisions about the UND nickname and logo, did not immediately return a telephone call Saturday seeking comment on the possible Spirit Lake vote.
John Q. Paulsen, president of the Board of Higher Education, declined comment Saturday on Pearson's remarks.
UND spokesman Peter Johnson did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment on Saturday.© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
