BC-ND-North Dakota Nickname,0359

State board could take up North Dakota nickname issue soon

Eds: Moving on general news and sports services.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) - The president of the North Dakota Board of Higher Education says he will bring the issue of the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux nickname to the board soon, since discussions with tribal officials likely will not lead to their support.

Board President John Q. Paulsen would not say whether he will ask for a motion to retire the nickname.

"Anything is on the table," he said. "Board members are free to do what they want to do."

The issue could come up as soon as next week, when the board has scheduled three meetings.

Paulsen said his decision to bring up the matter stems from the "continued and determined" opposition to the nickname by officials of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe.

Paulsen earlier had asked state University System Chancellor Bill Goetz to organize a delegation to discuss the nickname with tribal leaders. But after hearing their comments at a forum in Grand Forks earlier this week, he said, he decided the board should address the issue.

Paulsen was unable to attend the forum because he was at a meeting of the UND presidential search committee, but he said he read participants' statements that their opposition to the nickname would not change.

"Given that strong admonition from the (tribal leaders), I decided I'd address it with State Board of Higher Education members soon," he said.

"The remarks in public of all the tribal leaders have, as far as I can tell, all been along the same lines. Tribal leaders don't see any need for, or anything to be gained from, further discussions. They've said UND, sooner rather than later, should change the logo," Paulsen said.

Goetz said he discussed the UND presentation with Paulsen.

"In light of that meeting, renewed discussion needs to take place regarding our next step," he said. "Over the next couple of days, we'll arrive at some conclusion."

Under a settlement with the NCAA, announced late last month, UND would retire the nickname and logo after three years if it cannot get the support of Sioux tribes.

Information from: Grand Forks Herald, http://www.grandforksherald.com