Indiana University of Pennsylvania remains on a list of universities and colleges subject to restrictions on the use of Native American mascots, names and imagery at NCAA championships after a review of an appeal submitted by the institution.

The staff review committee designated by the NCAA Executive Committee to review facts related to institutions' appeals noted that the school's nickname, even though derived from historical factors and the university's geographic location and heritage, traditionally has invoked Native American meanings.

"While the university's rationale for use of the nickname is not inherently hostile or abusive, and the university may not intend to malign Native Americans, the continued use of Native American references as nicknames creates an environment over which an institution may not have full control," said Bernard Franklin, NCAA senior vice-president for governance and membership. "Fans, opponents and others can and will exhibit behaviors that indeed are hostile or abusive to Native Americans."

Indiana (Pennsylvania) has an opportunity to appeal the decision in writing to the Executive Committee.

The staff committee to date has acted on appeals from 10 institutions and removed six from the list of universities and colleges subject to the restriction.