From Deseret News archives:
U. mascot, policies protested
The allegations of disrespect and dishonor that several students say they're experiencing, however, "are completely absurd," said Octavio Villalpando, U. associate vice president for diversity. He said that more money has been pumped into American Indian affairs at the university in the past two years than ever before.
Students participating in the march on campus, which began at the American Indian Resource Center and ended in Presidents Circle, proclaimed a desire for the school to investigate a perceived loss of programming and faculty associated with American Indian students. They also urged increased support and respect.
"This school cannot exist or operate without us," said Joel Arvizo, a U. graduate student, referring to the agreement the U. has with the Northern Ute Indian Tribe to allow use of the Ute name for the school mascot.
"We are seen only as mascots, as savages with feathers and drums," he said. "It's not a completely accurate representation of who we are." Arvizo said a main objective is to raise awareness of the disgraceful practices performed by many students during athletic events at the school.
"The stereotype plays across all tribes," said Anthony Shirley, who works at the U. College of Nursing. "It's definitely very hurtful."
The university is currently phasing out the drum and feather logo on permanent athletic facilities, though it will still appear on uniforms and apparel.
Many of the students marching with the group were unaware of any scholarships available at the U. specifically for American Indian students, and believe that isolated recruitment and retention efforts are limited as well.
"State-funded schools are not allowed to provide race-based scholarships," Villalpando said. "We just can't do it. It's against the law." He added that the group's actions caught him by surprise because he has worked individually with many of them to alleviate their concerns.
The U. has invested nearly $100,000 in the AIRC, which Villalpando says "provides a culture and resource home for American Indian students, faculty and the community." He has also worked to enrich many of the programs available to American Indian students and says the university works very hard to recruit American Indian faculty members.
"Their claims are unsubstantiated when compared to university data," Villalpando said.
Nearly every year, students march in protest of the use of the Ute mascot, and little has changed over the years. Not all of the Ute tribes approve of the usage and some denounce it, but the university maintains an open line of communication in order to alleviate any misconceptions.
E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com
