AMERIND-US-SE-L Archives

From:
Subject: Monty Montezuma mascot
Date: Sat, 5 May 2001 11:31:03 EDT

Subj: USD may ditch Monty Montezuma mascot
Date: 5/3/01 6:11:37 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: <A HREF="mailto:Aimfl">Aimfl</A>
To: <A HREF="mailto:SGMAIMFL">SGMAIMFL</A>
BCC: <A HREF="mailto:REDSKI9136">REDSKI9136</A>



School panel recommends change to 'Aztec' mascot

MAY 3, 2001 A task force convened by San Diego State University President
Stephen L. Weber recommended on Wednesday that the California school drop its
"Monty Montezuma" mascot American Indian and Mexican students consider
offensive. But keeping in line with the school's "Aztec" affiliation, a panel
of students, alumni, faculty, and Indian, Hispanic, and other community
members said a culturally appropriate mascot should be used in Monty's place.
Similarly, school logos should more properly reflect Aztec history and
culture, they said. Additionally, the panel recommended the Aztec leader
Montezuma be designated an "ambassador" of the school. "It is appropriate to
continue to use Montezuma as a mark / ambassador of the university, but not
as a mascot," the group wrote. Yesterday's report represents five months of
work by the panel. After Weber in November said the school will keep its
"Aztec" affiliation, he directed the task force to come up with
recommendations on the continued use of the school's Aztec-themed mascot,
nickname, and logos. For the 20-member panel, the job proved to be a
difficult one. Wrestling with a bond many alumni feel towards "Monty" and
balancing the views of American Indian and Hispanic students who have called
for the mascot's removal, the group acknowledged they didn't agree on every
point. "Unanimity was neither expected of us nor achieved," said Bill
Trumpfheller, president of the school's board of directors. "Indeed, the
report contains a number of alternative viewpoints which the president may
consider in forming his decisions." Some members recommended the school get
rid not use Montezuma as a mascot or ambassador at all. Citing the US Civil
Rights Commission's recent statement on mascots, an alternative view stated
the school couldn't possibly honor the Aztec leader. But others felt there
was nothing wrong with the use of "Monty Montezuma." Stated an alternative
opinion: "The name 'Monty' has been invoked to show respect and affection for
a great warrior and leader and to promote unity. It also is a part of a
worldwide tradition of selecting mascots to depict honor, courage, strength
and an image of excellence." In the end, the entire panel recommended "Monty"
not be used in describing Montezuma. The group said the diminutive term was
not appropriate. In helping Weber make a final decision, the panel added it
was vital he work with people from Mexico. Indigenous, Hispanic, and experts
on Mexican and Aztec culture and history need to be consulted, they said.
Currently, the school's mascot wears a headdress adorned with feathers and a
skull and holds a spear and shield. Just as the University of Illinois' Chief
Illiniwek mascot, a student dons the costume for school events. Weber has
stated such a depiction was most most likely not accurate. Like the current
debate over the "Fighting Sioux" nickname at the University of North Dakota,
American Indian and Mexican students wanted all Aztec symbols dropped. Most
of their counterparts disagreed and last year, 95 percent wanted to keep the
nickname while some 87 percent voted to keep the "Montezuma" mascot and the
"Monty" logo. Weber is expected to respond to the panel's report by the end
of the month.

This thread:

• Monty Montezuma mascot by