The president of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, Mass., has decided its sports teams will no longer be known as Mohawks.
President Thomas Aceto’s decision came after two years of debate that included a vote by city councilors urging the school to keep the nickname. Aceto had final say in the matter.
Aceto, who is retiring in August, said that he wanted to avoid racial stereotypes and the move was ’’the right one for both the college and for members of the Mohawk Indian tribe.” He directed athletic officials to consult with student government and alumni groups and recommend a new nickname by May 15.
Hundreds of schools have dropped their Indian nicknames in recent years following protests. However, others, including the University of North Dakota, known as the Fighting Sioux, have stuck with their nicknames.
“This is not a case of political correctness, but of changing times,” Aceto maintained. He said the college could honor the Mohawks in another manner, possibly by naming a building after the tribe.
Source: Associated Press
