Marquette to Gather
Information on Nickname Issue
Released:
October 15, 2004
MILWAUKEE – Marquette University today announced a process by
which the university would engage members of the Marquette community
– students, faculty, staff and alumni – to gather information
regarding its athletics nickname and mascot.
At its regularly scheduled meeting in September, the university's
Board of Trustees decided it would continue to discuss the nickname
issue, and conclude at a later date whether the school would remain
the “Golden Eagles” or return to the “Warrior” nickname.
However, the Board stated explicitly that no discussion of the
nickname issue will involve returning to past athletics mascots
or logos invoking Native American imagery. It passed a resolution
prohibiting the use of Native American references or imagery in
Marquette 's athletics nickname, mascot or logo.
The Board also decided to establish an organized process to gather
further information that will be considered at its next meeting
in December. That process will include:
- Establishment of an ad hoc fact finding group, composed
of students, faculty, staff and alumni, to gather facts, not
opinions, for consideration by the Board of Trustees;
- Focus groups and an online survey for members of the Marquette
community – students, faculty, staff, and alumni - in order
to learn about attitudes, behaviors and emotions, not
to test preferences or ask stakeholders for their “vote”;
- University-sponsored forums among members of the Marquette
community;
- Continued dialogue with members of the Native American community,
particularly by President Robert Wild, S.J.
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