05:38 PM EDT on Wednesday, May 17, 2006

By 13News

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From William and Mary

The use of feathers in this logo is offensive, ruled the NCAA.

The College of William and Mary can use the nickname “Tribe” for its athletic teams, but it must eliminate the two feathers in the W&M logo, the National Collegiate Athletic Association ruled Tuesday.

The NCAA has been cracking down on Native American nicknames, mascots and images that some find offensive.

The NCAA said, “the committee believes that coupling the term “Tribe” with imagery that has traditionally been linked to Native Americans, for example eagle feathers and arrowheads, transforms that use from one associated with “togetherness,” “shared idealism,” and “commitment” to a stereotypical reference to Native Americans.”

If the Williamsburg college doesn’t comply, it chould be banned from post-season play.

William and Mary officials say they’ll appeal the ruling.

In a statement released Wednesday night, William T. Walker, Associate Vice President for Public Affairs, said, "The good news is that we are forever going to be the Tribe. This is the most important thing, and the NCAA has agreed with us that our nickname is not hostile or abusive. We won on the most important point."

"We are going to appeal this decision."

"To say that what William and Mary does is not acceptable and what Florida State University does is acceptable boggles our minds."

"Perhaps it is the absurdity of judgments like these that is causing the U. S. Congress to consider taking this matter out of the hands of the NCAA. The Speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives and several of his colleagues have introduced legislation that would forbid the NCAA from regulating mascots and nicknames."

William and Mary President Gene R. Nichol sent an e-mail Wednesday to the campus community with his reaction to the decision.

May 17, 2006

To the Campus Community:

We learned last evening that the NCAA staff review determined the use of the nickname "Tribe" by our athletic teams was neither "hostile nor abusive."  The report did object, however, to the use of feathers as part of our sports logo.  We will appeal the ruling as it applies to the logo.  

The good news, of course, is the NCAA has agreed with our assessment of the term "Tribe."  The nickname -- so close to the heart of this community -- will remain the College's moniker.

 The NCAA's varied interpretations of mascot policy -- what it allows and what it rejects -- are impossible to comprehend or justify.  It is unsurprising, therefore, that the U. S. Congress is considering taking the matter out of the Association's hands.  It remains my belief that the William and Mary athletic program should be touted as a national model for unparalleled academics and athletics.

Go Tribe!

Hark upon the gale!

All the best,

Gene Nichol