The Fighting Sioux is the athletic team name and mascot for the University of North Dakota. This is connected at least in part with the "Fighting Irish" of the University of Notre Dame (the two schools also have similar logos formed from the initials ND which they share). The logo for the Fighting Sioux is a Native American figure, which has sparked significant controversy. Critics of the mascot claim that it is a racist stereotype, while supporters claim that it is unoffensive and is a source of pride for many students. The University is deeply divided on this issue, but the State Board of Higher Education has frozen discussion on the issue by insisting that the team name remain the same. A comparable controversy revolves around Chief Illiniwek, which is the mascot at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
The arguments against the FightingSioux team name have been consistent throughout the 30 years of conflict, but none have succeeded in bringing an end to the offensive logo.
The FightingSioux issue was not restricted to the UND campus.
This led to the reasoning, "Sioux are a good exterminating agent for the Bison; they are warlike, of fine physique and bearing; and the word Sioux is easily rhymed for yells and songs," according to Annis.
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