BRIDGES, a student organization at the University of North Dakota, is committed to fighting racism and the systems which make it possible. One such system is the very school name of UND, the "Fighting Sioux."

Whereas many students see the name being used in a respectful manner, BRIDGES understands that using any ethnic group as a moniker for a sports team is not respectful-- it is exploitive and leads to dangerous stereotypes and, subsequently, racism.

BRIDGES disagrees with the assumption that an issue like this can simply be put to a popular vote: the rights of a minority are rarely protected by an indifferent majority. This issue is one of human rights.

To state that there is a worthy "tradition" and heritage in the name, and that it should thus be kept, is to enforce the notion of the heritage of racism against Native peoples and the tradition of keeping them only as a mascot. There was also a tradition in fuedalism, slavery, and the oppression of women. Once humanity recognized this was wrong, such practices began to change. Only after recognizing the harm of using human beings as mascots and placing them in precarious proximity to the ever-waiting "Sioux Suck!" call at a sporting event, will healing on all sides begin.

BRIDGES, therefore, would like to see the removal of the "Fighting Sioux" logo, name, and moniker from the University of North Dakota, and be replaced with symbols and imagery that all UND members can be proud of.