The University of North Dakota should quit agonizing over the Sioux logo every time the school gets a new president. When Kendall Baker was named president about eight years ago, a small and vocal group of self-styled activists took it upon themselves to proclaim the traditional logo - a green and white Indian head in use since 1976 - was offensive to them. Baker, the new guy on the block, was forced into the fray, but did not get consumed by it.

To his credit, Baker was able to derail the critics of the logo and go on to the university's more important business of education and research. But the simmering controversy did not go away.

When Charles Kupchella was named the school's new president a few months ago, the anti-logo cadre was re-energized - apparently seeing yet another opportunity to get to the new guy.

Kupchella has handled the situation with insight and sensitivity. He took the lead of the ongoing effort to redesign -not scrap - the Sioux logo. The new design is the result of months of consultation with American Indian leaders and students. An Indian artist created the new logo.

It's an excellent piece of work. Yet, a small group of activists who apparently think they are representative of all American Indians, objects to any depiction of a Sioux warrior, no matter how well done, no matter how respectful of American Indian culture.

Interestingly, several of the complainers are the same few who criticized Baker. Their numbers have not increased; their minuscule support among UND alumni - Indian and non-Indian - has not grown. Also, some have been students for about seven years - a long time for any undergraduate course of study.

But they make a lot of noise at public meetings and therefore get a headline or two. They have made mini-careers of demanding that their view of American Indian culture be recognized as the only one. They revel in being chronically offended.

Their cause, however, no longer is worth the attention. The new logo reflects the spirit and strength of American Indian culture and pride. It belongs not only to a gaggle of critics, but to all who love the university and respect its traditions.

Those who choose to be offended certainly have that right. But those who see the honor, pride and respect that is embodied in the new logo should prevail.

(Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper's Editorial Board.)