Group may support keeping Ute mascot

The Native American Legislative Liaison Committee may draft a letter supporting the University of Utah's bid to keep its Ute mascot.

Sen. Beverly Evans, R-Altamont, said at Monday's meeting she'll meet with Ute leaders on the matter.

U. officials are in the process of filing an appeal to keep the nickname, after an NCAA decision against Native American mascots and nicknames.

A motion and substitute were made, but then withdrawn, to draft letters indicating support of the Ute nickname. House Chairman David Cox, R-Lehi, said the committee hadn't discussed it before, and decided not to act prematurely. The group is a legislative committee that deals with issues affecting Native Americans.

If the committee gets a nod from the Ute tribe, members may decide at their next meeting in October to draft a letter supporting the nickname, if the issue isn't resolved by then, Cox said.

When lawmakers asked about the issue, Forrest Cuch, director of the Division of Indian Affairs, indicated his support for the nickname.

"The University of Utah has demonstrated outstanding regard for the Ute tribe," he said.

Nola Lodge, a U. faculty member, spoke as a liaison between the Ute tribe and the U. She said she was personally opposed to the Ute nickname, but that she understands the tribe continues to support it.