The NCAA is once again looking into schools using Indian nicknames and mascots. Over the next few months two committees will address this issue and issue a report and recommendations. There is a outside possibility that schools like Florida State might be asked to change their names or take other actions as is deemed necessary by the NCAA. In response to the upcoming inquiry, Florida State wrote a three page letter defending its use of the Seminole name and symbol.

Here is the complete text of the letter sent to the NCAA on April 29, 2005:

Mr. Ron Stratten

Vice President

National Collegiate Athletic Association

P.O. Box 6222

Indianapolis, IN 46206

Dear Mr. Stratten:

This is in response to the NCAA's request for a self evaluation on the use of American Indian mascots, nicknames and logos by certain member institutions, including Florida State University.

We adhere to our positions stated in our Jan. 22, 2003 correspondence to Mr. Eugene Marshall Jr., Chair, Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee (MOIC) on this issue. Our use of the symbols and images of the Seminole demonstrate the highest honor and respect for a Nation of People whose uncompromising fortitude and strength of character we want our athletes to emulate in all arenas of sport.

We concur in the comment by the NCAA Committee on Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct, which is summarized in the October 2002 MOIC Report, to the effect that "such issues may be addressed most effectively by the individual institution, its community and its conference, rather than at the national level."

Florida State University has enjoyed a close relationship with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Under the principles of tribal sovereignty, the Seminole Tribe of Florida's elected leadership has determined that it supports our activities and use of the Seminole name. The Seminole Tribe has, in fact, staged public events that demonstrate that support.

We offer the following additional observations and comments.

First, we are fully compliant with the NCAA Constitution, specifically Articles 2.2.2, 2.4, and 2.6, as well as all federal and state laws relevant to the adoption and use of the Seminole symbol and imagery by the university and its athletic teams.

Second, there is absolutely no evidence that our use of the Seminole symbol and images is in any way racist, that it creates a hostile environment for any person, that it contributes to misinformation contrary to our university's educational mission, that it is damaging to young people of any race, that it is sacrilegious, or that it is contrary to the diversity and antidiscrimination policies of our university and the NCAA.

Third, our use of the Seminole symbol and images is with the full knowledge of the leadership of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, in particular, continues to support our special relationship by participating in appropriate university events, such as Homecoming, Commencement, and American Indian Heritage Month, when we honor them and celebrate their rich heritage and culture.

A few examples of their involvement include:

* Participation in the Homecoming Parade and many other Homecoming events.

* Crowning of the Homecoming Chief and Princess by members of the Seminole Tribe.

* Consultation with the Tribe in the development of authentic Seminole dress, headdresses and other designs used by the university.

In addition, FSU works closely with the Tribe's Education Director for the benefit of Seminole Tribe of Florida students. Administrators visit the Tribe to recruit high school students for scholarships offered to them by the university, and FSU invites Seminole sophomores and juniors to the campus for special visits, tours and meetings with faculty and administrators. A communication stream is maintained with leaders of the Tribe so that there can be open dialogue on matters they wish to bring forward.

Throughout the years, the university has been diligent in reassessing its many traditions associated with the use of the Seminole name and - with the assistance of the Seminole Tribe - has periodically made changes to more accurately comport with authentic Seminole culture. We will continue to do so.

Sincerely,

Lee Hinkle

Vice President for University Relations

Florida State University

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