siouxfan512

^^This!

Picking apart a simple banner in support of hockey to create a political feud is exactly what the libs want. They saw an opportunity and they took it, then the University and the Kelley took the bait.

Has anyone else written to the school to express their concerns? I'm just curious as to what kind of volume (if any) they received over this. If so, any responses? Personally, I think a public apology should be issued to these girls for overreacting to the situation. A call to their national chapter discouraging required sensitivity training may be in order as well.

I've considered sending it in, and have not ruled it out; but my purpose in the letter was not to start a vendetta against the President. More to express my displeasure with his quick irrational comments. I think it would be more effective for more people to write their own letters expressing their concerns of his comments and actions, and how those comments and actions represent the University. As stated in my letter, the average person would come to the logical decision that this banner was not in protest of "Time Out Week". The only intent of this banner was to support the hockey team. The University turned this into political issue, and gave its own students a public reprimand, when they did nothing wrong. Had the situation warranted action, this would not even be a discussion, but to basically throw these girls under the bus for something that never should have been an issue make the University look weak and willing to appease anyone and everyone, regardless of how ridiculous the scenario.

Hope he reads my letter, though I'm sure he won't; and even if he does I'm sure he won't care. This type of action by UND is actually as disappointing if not more disappoint that eliminating the nickname itself. The opens up, as you said, a very scary Pandora's box.

For those of you on campus, please be careful during the game on Thursday. As this is "Time Out" week you may risk being arrested for any apparel with the Sioux name or logo.

Here is my letter to the University: To whom it may concern, I am a proud alumni of the University of North Dakota, and I am writing this letter to express my sincere disappointment in the University’s actions regarding Gamma Phi Beta, as well as President Kelley’s comments and handling of the situation. To condemn these girls of being anything but supportive of their school and their hockey team is simply ludicrous. There are several problems with what is being regarded as a “lack of sensitivity”: 1. The banner had no reference to the former Fighting Sioux nickname. There was no “Sioux Pride”, “Sioux Forever” or “Let’s Go Sioux”; quite the opposite. The banner was acknowledging that the team is no longer the Fighting Sioux, is no longer wearing Fighting Sioux jerseys (like it, or not), but regardless of what they are named or what jerseys they are wearing, the fans are behind them and supporting them. 2. As for the timing of when this banner was hung, I assume President Kelley is aware there is a hockey game this week, and it is a big one. To entertain anyone’s complaint that this was done in an antagonistic fashion is ridiculous. I think it is safe to assume these girls were not sitting in their sorority house making a banner in support of the hockey team, while simultaneously scheming a way to intentionally disrupt “Time Out Week”. The University may state to the public that they are disappointed in Gamma Phi Beta, but I believe the general consensus of the public will be disappointment in the University and its handling of the situation. Dr. Kelley should have had enough common sense as President of the University to determine this had nothing to do with being disrespectful or uncivil. Had he acted with common sense, he could have deflated the situation in a much more appropriate manner. 3. The fact that this sorority’s national chapter felt compelled to issue an apology and provide sensitivity training for these girls is very sad in itself. Had this been due to the use of a derogatory term or image, this entire issue would be valid; but to inflate a simple statement in support of the hockey team to a controversial social-political issue demonstrates poor judgment and a lack of common sense by the University. There will always people in this world who are compelled to find something to protest or criticize, but at what point do those complaints need to be addressed, and at what point can they simply be dismissed as excessive? The University of North Dakota has complied to the NCAA’s policy changes and removed the Fighting Sioux nickname and moniker from use; no further action should be necessary on their end to demonstrate where the University officially stands. To publicly condemn the simple and innocent actions of these students is nothing more than an overreaction for which the University should be ashamed. It is time for the University to improve their balance of acceptable political correctness and extreme political activism.

Wow, typical liberal extremist response. "You should be open to all ideas .... unless those ideas conflict with my ideas! Then you're a insensitive, horrible person!" The crazy thing is that this really doesn't have much to do with the nickname. Other that they acknowledged we no longer have it. This entire thing has been blown out of proportion and constructed on someone oversensitve complaint.

For the president to say they recognize the right to free speech but expect respect is laughable. The only thing that was disrespectful in this entire situation was the University's handling of it.

Well, I couldn't help myself. I wrote a letter to the University, including the President, Greek Life Coordinator, Dean of Students and Assc Dean of Student Activities. I would encourage others to do so as well, but keep it professional. Beyond the nickname battle, this is just a sick way of appeasing anyway who complains, rather than looking at the situation in a reasonable manner and acknowledging there was nothing wrong here. UND needs to find a better balance of acceptable political correctness and excessive political activism. Disappointed in the sorority's national chapter for immediately apologizing on these girl's behalf rather than looking at the banner and standing up for them. Sisterhood? Very disappointed in UND right now. We'll see if I get a response from anyone, but I'm not expecting much.

Saw that .. Props to Mark for calling them the Sioux, he did that on the evening news as well, and Condon is a pretty good character. He has had some good interviews over the last week. Rau needs to drink a Red Bull before he goes on camera.

Johnny Gadreau is ridiculous ... that is all.

Any update on Dashon Wade?

I reall like what you have to say about Olson, if he can truly compare to a Kaip that would be great. I feel like Kaip's physical gritty play is sorely missed. I always loved watching him and Radke mix it up. Looking forward to more and more talents on this team.

I've read that next season could be one of the best recruiting classes we've had. and could be the top in the country? Which guys do we expect to see on campus next fall, and who do we expect to be the big contributor right away? Any high end goal scorers?

How about, you got yelled at for using too much extracurricular bandwidth at work, because you are always on siouxsports.com

It is certainly possible, but the Richter award definitely raises the level of play required for the goalie to win the Hobey.

We can sure hope!

Not sure why Dowd is in the top 3, good player but not a top 3 guy. (may have impressed some voters by turning down money to return?) I would have thought Archibald over Dowd. I know alot of Goofer fans are peeved over Wilcox not getting in, and while I don't think he is a Hobey Hat Trick guy, I can understand the frustration; very similar to when Lamoreux missed the Hobey Hat Trick. Wilcox has had a great season, but his success can be overshadowed by the team in front of him. While he has played well, he hasn't really had to win games for them, because they have a strong team. Had his team depended on his performance more, he may have convinced more voters that he was worthy of being in the top 3. That being said, Gadreau obviously wins anyway.

Gimme BC, just not the goofs! Agreed, I don't like BC, mainly because they have dominated us too often in recent history. But I would much rather see them win it all, over the Goofers. Thats a whole different kind of rivalry; The last thing I want to hear (if we don't win it all) is Gopher fans chirpin. They're already so high and arrogant on their program (granted every program has some of those fans), but I'd prefer not to seem them close the gap between our teams on the number of NCAA titles.

As mentioned one of his grandson's already plays for the U, and the other one chose not to go to the U. Didn't want to live with the comparison to his Grandpa, wanted to create his own reputation, which you gotta respect. I think overall he has Letieri at U of M, Nanne at Ohio St, and Nanne at RPI.

Well put. I agree. Gotta keep their goals low. If we are going to win, I highly doubt it is going to be a 6-5 type of game.

Wasn't he the one that said the rivalry needed a cooling off period? He's a good coach, but seriously what a joke.

nailed it, we just don't have great forwards. There is no frattins, oshies, toews or duncans on this team. Grimaldi could be a great scorer in a year or two, but there is nobody that stands out like those other guys (I know Oshie and Toews are rare exceptions of recruits), but still ...

Then again, Lou is a sports personality now, not a player. No big deal if he looks past us; I'm sure Lucia and his team are focusing on this game. Should be a great one.