Fighting Sioux nickname backers plan signature push
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BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- Supporters of the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname plan a final push for petition signatures.
They're setting up Thursday in the North Dakota Capitol and in Fargo's West Acres shopping mall.
Nickname backers have two petitions. One would restore a state law that requires UND to keep the nickname. The other would change the North Dakota Constitution to say UND teams will always be known as the Fighting Sioux.
The proposed constitutional amendment petition doesn't need to be submitted until August. But the petition that restores the pro-nickname state law is due at midnight Tuesday. It needs at least 13,500 signatures.
The university is phasing out the name. The NCAA contends the nickname is offensive to American Indians and says UND will face sanctions for its continued use.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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