Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand ForksND Higher Ed Board to Sue over Nickname

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota's Board of Higher Education will file a lawsuit challenging a state law requiring the University of North Dakota's athletics teams to be called the Fighting Sioux. The board voted to file a lawsuit Monday after a meeting by telephone with the state attorney general. Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says he's confident the law violates the state constitution and he believes the board will win in court. The university has been seeking to drop the nickname because it fears penalties from the NCAA, which considers it offensive to Native Americans. But the nickname has strong support among state residents who filed referendum petitions last week to put the question to voters. If state officials determine enough signatures are valid, the issue could appear on the June 12 primary ballot.

Statement from Fighting Sioux Ballot Measures Committee:

"In the wake of very serious problems within the North Dakota University System, our State Board of Higher Education has instead decided their priority should be trying to use the legal system to disenfranchise the voters of North Dakota. It is clear to us they fear an overwhelming mandate would be given by those voters to keep the name. It is also clear to us that with this decision, the board has lost their way, and should no longer be entrusted with the responsibility of oversight of the university system. They no longer respect who they serve.... the people of North Dakota."