Roy H. Saigo, president of St. Cloud State University, asked Division II presidents to consider the issue of American Indian mascots and whether those mascots are appropriate in light of antidiscrimination policies, both at the university level and within the NCAA.

Saigo made his remarks at the Division II chief executive officers luncheon January 13.

"This is an issue we haven't talked about as presidents, and yet it's an issue that has caused a lot of consternation in our part of the world," Saigo said. "I bring it up not to attack anybody but simply to broaden the discussion."

Saigo made his remarks during an open forum portion of the program.

"I believe it is a racial issue," he said. "I believe it is a civil rights issue. I believe it is a religious issue, and people are getting hurt."

Saigo's institution, St. Cloud State, is in the same conference as the University of North Dakota, whose mascot is the "Fighting Sioux." Saigo's institution also has a notable American Indian population, and the issue has become divisive, particularly when North Dakota's teams come to play St. Cloud State.

"When we talk about these things, we need to consider all of the issues," he said. "For example, we've made the decision that we aren't going to allow the demonstrators inside the hockey arena. It's too enclosed, too dangerous and we're afraid someone is going to get hurt. So, we're keeping them outside."

Saigo reflected on his experiences as a minority student-athlete and noted that he had experienced discrimination and racial epithets first hand.

"When I used to play baseball, we had people calling us 'Japs,' 'chinks,' 'wops,' and any number of insults. It's not acceptable anymore," he said.

"Many universities have changed their names and their logos to reflect that the world is different now, and yet we still have instances where, at halftime, we have someone come out and dance around dressed as an Indian. My American Indian friends tell me this offends them, partly on religious grounds."

Saigo showed the presidents several slides, including the NCAA Principle of Nondiscrimination and the NCAA statement on cultural diversity and gender equity.

"I'd just like to review what we purport to support, and then you can see if these other images are in keeping with that," he said.

At the conclusion of Saigo's presentation, Patricia P. Cormier, chair of the Division II Presidents Council, addressed the topic briefly.

"I want you to know that the Association is taking the issue of American Indian mascots very seriously," she said, "and we will have a report from the Executive Committee Subcommittee on Gender and Diversity Issues in October."