Board delays decision on UND's Fighting Sioux nickname

Ralph Englestad Arena
Images of the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux mascot are inside and out at the Ralph Englstad Arena in Grand Forks, N.D. The logo is at the center of a legal battle between North Dakota officials and the NCAA.
MPR Photo/Dan Gunderson

North Dakota's Board of Higher Education says the state should ask the Supreme Court to speed up an appeal by Spirit Lake Sioux members who want to keep the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname.

A state judge ruled last month that the board can drop the nickname and Indian head logo before a November deadline set in an agreement with the NCAA. The tribal group appealed last week.

Board attorney Pat Seaworth says it normally takes the higher court about seven months to decide an appeal. The board hopes to have a ruling within 30 days.

The board approved the motion 5-3 on Thursday.

UND President Robert Kelley and Athletic Director Brian Faison said they would like the issue solved quickly so the school can pursue entrance into the Summit League.

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