Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Carthage, Midwestern St. Change Nicknames

.c The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Carthage College in Wisconsin will return to its original nickname of Red Men, and Midwestern State University in Texas will change its nickname after this season to comply with the NCAA's new policy regarding American Indian mascots.

The decision was announced Wednesday by the NCAA.

Carthage College originally used the nickname Red Men, a term it adopted from a nearby high school that was nicknamed the Blue Boys. Over the years, however, Carthage became known as the Redmen and used Indian mascots and logos.

Those images will be discontinued and the school agreed to issue a policy statement that distances the college's nickname from American Indian heritage.

Midwestern State, nicknamed the Indians, was given an extension to remove its nickname and imagery from its basketball court until after the season ends because of cost. But the university is expected to discontinue the use of its nickname and logos after this year.

``The NCAA commends Carthage College and Midwestern State University for taking affirmative steps to eliminate the potential for a hostile or abusive environment by removing Native American references from their respective athletics programs,'' the NCAA said.

The NCAA adopted the new policy in August, which prohibits the use of Indian nicknames, mascots, logos and other imagery at postseason events.

Several schools, including Utah, Florida State and Central Michigan won appeals to be removed from the original list of 18. Others, such as North Dakota and Bradley, were initially rejected. Illinois and Indiana University of Pennsylvania have appeals pending.

Carthage and Midwestern State are the first schools to agree to change their nicknames since the policy was announced.