Former chancellor talks to steering committee

By Scott Ammons
Senior Staff Writer

Former UNCP Chancellor from 1989-1999 Dr. Joseph Oxendine told the NCAA nickname and logo review committee on March 21, he supports the preservation of the ‘Brave’ logo.

In his second year at the university, Oxendine ended UNCP’s use of an American Indian as a mascot and drew national attention for his bold move. According to Oxendine, “I received criticism from the faculty; some accused me of being too politically correct.”

Oxendine said he believes that the use of Native Americans as team mascots harms the image of Native Americans.

In an article published in the Charlotte Observer July 7, 2002, Oxendine wrote, “The real measure is whether the recipients, or targets, of these behaviors feel harm. Without question many if not most Indians are offended and often embarrassed by continued stereotypical portrayals of Indians as they never were.”

Oxendine believes the heritage of a university and a people are represented through this institution, which makes UNCP an exception to the rule.

On Jan. 9, 2003, in a letter to the NCAA, Dr. Oxendine wrote, “We believe the irrefutable Indian heritage of UNCP gives us the right to use the name ‘Brave’ and to exhibit the Brave/hawk logo. At the same time we feel that institutions without clear and legitimate Indian origins have no such right, particularly the use of Indian macots, which are universally offensive. Again, we support the NCAA on its efforts to bring increased sensitivity to this subject.”

Dr. Oxendine encouraged the UNCP steering committee to put this matter to rest once and for all.

The Student Government Association has agreed to do a survey of students on campus, which will be available in the U.C. and online until March 25.