I had to laugh when I saw this column from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune’s uber-liberal columnist Nick Coleman.

Essentially, Coleman is using the University of Illinois’ decision to get rid of their mascot, Chief Illiniwek, to suggest that the University of North Dakota should rid itself of the “Fighting Sioux” nickname.  Which is a bit of an odd assertion given that, while the University of Illinois is getting rid of it’s mascot, they are not getting rid of their “Fighting Illini” nickname:

The University Board of Trustees announced on February 16, 2007 that the Chief’s last public performance would be the final home game of the 2006-2007 Men’s Basketball season. Lawrence C. Eppley, Chairman of the University Board of Trustees, was responsible for making the decision as to whether or not Chief Illiniwek would remain a school symbol. In the past, the entire board, consisting of 11 voting members, had voted to keep the chief as the Illini symbol. The name “Fighting Illini” was retained, as the NCAA rescinded its criticism of the use of the term.

Nor, according to that, do they seem to be getting rid of their logo.  So for all of Coleman’s righteous indignation, this settlement between the University of Illinois and the NCAA actually bolsters UND’s case for keeping it’s nickname.  After all, if “The Fighting Illini” isn’t offensive “The Fighting Sioux” shouldn’t be either.