Marquette University will have a new athletics nickname for the coming year: Gold. Marquette’s Board of Trustees turned down a $2,000,000 donation in request of reinstating the current nickname "Golden Eagles" back to "Warriors", which had been used for 40 years in the history of MU (1954-1993).

Wayne Sanders, vice chair of the Board of Trustees, along with an annoymous trustee of board each offered a $1 million gift on the condition that MU change its nickname back to Warriors “in an honorable way that would offend no one.” Announced at the commencement in May, 2004, the gift was immediately declined by Marquette President Robert Wild, S.J while he said the issue was still open to discussion.

Warriors, an honrable part of MU's tradition, is regarded offensive to native Indian community*. The debate on atheletics nickname has lasted 1 year. As Rev. Wild said, "this decision is not about money. It is about tradition, pride, and respect for all members of the human community." An online survey was undertaken to gather opinions on this issue from student, faculty, staff/administrators, and alumni.

I am no fan of MU athetics. But I do appreciate the decision. It's not always easy to say no, but MU did it to reserve its tradition and dignity. Well done, MU!

*Excerpt from "Indian" Mascot & Logo Taskforce" by Wisconsin Indian Education Association.

"Why is an attractive depiction of an Indian warrior just as offensive as an ugly caricature?"

Both depictions present and maintain stereotypes. Both firmly place Indian people in the past, separate from our contemporary cultural experience. It is difficult, at best, to be heard in the present when someone is always suggesting that your real culture only exists in museums. The logos keep us marginalized and are a barrier to our contributing here and now. Depictions of mighty warriors of the past emphasize a tragic part of our history; focusing on wartime survival, they ignore the strength and beauty of our cultures during times of peace. Many Indian cultures view life as a spiritual journey filled with lessons to be learned from every experience and from every living being. Many cultures put high value on peace, right action, and sharing.

Indian men are not limited to the role of warrior; in many of our cultures a good man is learned, gentle, patient, wise and deeply spiritual. In present time as in the past, our men are also sons and brothers, husbands, uncles, fathers and grandfathers. Contemporary Indian men work in a broad spectrum of occupations, wear contemporary clothes, and live and love just as men do from other cultural backgrounds.

The depictions of Indian "braves", "warriors" and "chiefs" also ignore the roles of women and children. Although there are patrilineal Native cultures, many Indian Nations are both matrilineal and child centered. Indian cultures identify women with the Creator because of their ability to bear children, and with the Earth which is Mother to us all. In most Indian cultures the highest value is given to children, they are closest to the Creator and they embody the future. In many Native traditions, each generation is responsible for the children of the seventh generation in the future.

"Aren't you proud of your warriors?"

Yes, we are proud of the warriors who fought to protect our cultures and preserve our lands. We are proud and we don't want them demeaned by being "honored" in a sports activity on a playing field. Our people died tragically in wars motivated by greed for our lands. Our peoples have experienced forced removal and systematic genocide. Our warriors gave their sacred lives in often vain attempts to protect the land and preserve the culture for future generations. Football is a game.