I am writing this letter not as the superintendent of schools at Standing Rock but as an alumnus of the University of North Dakota. As a former graduate assistant and student at UND, I feel I have earned the right to comment on the continuing conflict over "the Fighting Sioux" name.

I have listened to the debate on talk radio over the past few weeks, and I am ashamed and embarrassed by the blatantly racist comments, the ignorance and the lack of sensitivity as to why that name is objectionable. I heard comments such as "why should a bunch of Indians" have control of the Sioux name? A bunch of Indians? Pardon me, but this "bunch of Indians" of the Standing Rock Nation have given their blood and lives in disproportionate numbers to serve in the armed services in every major war the United States has fought. It was the Standing Rock Vietnam veterans who were selected by the Department of Defense and President Reagan to lead the procession to dedicate the- Vietnam memorial 25 years ago.

And yet the University of North Dakota, the state of North Dakota and its attorney general relegate these brave warriors to "mascot" status and continue to denigrate their contributions and their name. It is past time that our university give it up and recognize the need to honor these people who are the first citizens of this state.

It would be far better for the Legislature and state leadership to make a commitment to educate all citizens of North Dakota so that each of us might develop an understanding of the history and culture of the tribes of North Dakota. Why is it that our K-12 school students are not required to take Native American studies and why are Dakota/Lakota language courses not taught in our schools?

Let us focus on dealing with the stereotyping, the racism and misunderstanding that surround us every day and has reared its ugly head around the debate over a nickname. I say shame on us for what we do to a proud people and sovereign nation.