Winona State allows campaign to use logo on magnet

Winona State University is reviewing its licensing practices after allowing a Minnesota state senator to use the school's athletics logo on campaign magnets.

Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes' campaign handed out several hundred magnets Saturday during Winona State's homecoming parade and football game.

The magnets were clearly identified as paid for by the Ropes for Senate campaign and carried the campaign's logo and Web address - along with the school's Warrior logo.

Ropes, a Winona DFLer seeking re-election, properly obtained permission to use the logo. But she tells the Winona Daily News she'll stop distributing the magnets to avoid the perception the school has endorsed her.

Athletic director Larry Holstad says the school made an "error in judgment" by granting Ropes permission to use the logo.

---

Information from: Winona Daily News (Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.