Great piece in the Herald

[darell1976]

http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/201035/

Allen Olson served two terms as North Dakota attorney general before he was elected governor in 1980. In the early 1990s, former UND President Charles Kupchella asked him to serve on an advisory committee concerning the nickname, and last year Kelley named Olson to his nickname

[Cratter]

When should UND/The State of North Dakota sue the NCAA for slander?

They were shocked when the NCAA “erroneously accused us of being hostile and abusive,” he said.

You don't just name a university (nickname) hostile and abusive on false grounds and not suffer the repercussions. Even if it wasn't directed at the entire university. There would be a case that is how many people view it.

LIBEL AND SLANDER occur when a person or entity communicates false information that damages the reputation of another person or entity. Slander occurs when the false and defamatory communication is spoken and heard. Libel occurs when the false and defamatory communication is written and seen. The laws governing libel and slander, which are collectively known as DEFAMATION, are identical.

[BobIwabuchiFan]

Understandably as a Nickname supporter, I found Mr. Olsen's viewpoint to be very refreshing and based on a common sense evaluation of the situation. Contrary to the sky is falling approach we have heard from many people, I feel the approach being taken by ND will result in getting what we need from this situation some 6-12 months down the road when both sides have an opportunity to discuss without the media in ND and the UND faculty can't influence the situation. Indianapolis, here we come!

BobIwabuchiFan

[The Sicatoka]

" ... except for the UND faculty and staff ... "

Uh-oh. Now somebody went and said it.

However, for the record, I believe the UND staff supports the name (per survey circa 2000).

The issue is the UND faculty. That stance is required to keep their "academic elitist club" decoder rings.

[Wilbur]

I believe that a majority of the faculty are for keeping the nickname. I bet if you polled it by departments everyone could guess the buildings that would not be in support.