Despite vote, UND still plans to drop nickname
A University of North Dakota spokesman says UND still plans to drop its Fighting Sioux nickname, even though the Legislature has voted to keep it.
Senators voted 28-15 on Friday to approve a bill that orders the university to keep the nickname and a logo that shows a profile of an American Indian warrior.
A spokesman for Gov. Jack Dalrymple says the governor will sign the bill.
UND Spokesman Peter Johnson says the university intends to follow earlier direction from the Board of Higher Education. He says if the board provides different direction, the board will follow that.
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The board has ordered UND to drop the nickname and logo. They are both to be retired in August.
The Board of Higher Education's president and vice president couldn't be reached immediately for comment.
The NCAA considers the Fighting Sioux nickname hostile to American Indians and has promised sanctions against UND if the school keeps the name.
Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem couldn't be reached for comment. He is in Denmark with a delegation of state officials who are looking into the country's ethanol production.
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