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Some Rebels rebelling against U. demand for Dixie name change

Scotty | 5:39 a.m. Nov. 5, 2007

I hope the people of St George have the backbone to not cave-in to the University of Utah on this. Talk about arrogance! When is the U of U going to change their Ute nickname? This nickname is offensive to many Native Americans outside of Utah. The U of U should also stop using their "Utah Man" fight song, which is sexist, outdated, and offensive to many. People of St George, don't let the condescending, know it all U of U "experts" who throw stones from glass houses, take away an important part of your heritage.

Dave | 7:16 a.m. Nov. 5, 2007

What is next from the P.C. croud, banning the words Georgia and Carolina?

Anonymous | 8:45 a.m. Nov. 5, 2007

It is sad that the people of St. George will allow the loss of a great opportunity with the University because of the name. Yes, we need to be proud of our heritage, but we also need to gain better opportunity for educational programs.

Comments continue below

Loss of local control | 9:11 a.m. Nov. 5, 2007

does bother me somewhat. What guarantees do we have as a community or faculty/staff, etc. that the U will fulfill every promise that they propose? What guarantees do the people of ST. George have that if this whole thing ends up failing miserably, the good people of Southern Utah, that they have any way to get out of the agreement or recourse at all??!! Don't go into this blind St. George! Make sure your back end is covered in all of this and that you have some way to "opt out" if it all goes horribly wrong in the end. Just be smart about it.

George | 9:59 a.m. Nov. 5, 2007

Do you folks down there really want someone in Salt Lake City making every decision that affects your school? Be happy being a state college for awhile. You can't have everything all at once.

Sarah | 10:07 a.m. Nov. 5, 2007

Twenty years ago, I was part of a SLC news crew covering the Summer Games in St. George. We were also covering several of the cuktural events held on the Dixie College campus. As we entered the arena, my collegue, an african american woman who was our on-air talent, pulled me aside. She pointed to the bronze sculture that incorporated a confederate flag as part of the Dixie College symbol and asked me if she should be worried. I tried to assure her that the community didn't understand the symbolism of the flag in the rest of the country. That they saw themselves as Utah's "Dixie" and not the Dixie of the old south. She was comfortable as long as she and I were together but did not venture out to produce stories or do interviews on her own. Like it or not, Utah, all of Utah is a part of American history. Dixie College uses names and symbolism that does not represent the community of St. George or the State of Utah.

Real Southerner | 11:44 a.m. Nov. 5, 2007

I was born and raised in the real south - not just Utah's south. I have marveled for many years how those NOT from the south have tried to explain what Dixie, the Confederacy, and the Confederate Flag was all about. Too bad you don't understand - the civil war was NOT about slavery, it was about the Rights of States. I don't see a line wanting to make sure all white sheets are dyed pink because someone might become twisted into thinking they are associated with the evils of the KKK.

My High School had the Rebel mascot and we had a school flag similar to the confederate colors. Maybe the hundreds that graduated each year in the 60's, 70's and 80's shouldn't have a heritage to remember either.

Get over YOUR problem and let Dixie have control over it's own heritage.

Shame on UofU | 12:17 p.m. Nov. 5, 2007

I'm a UofU graduate but I'm not proud of them being heavy handed in this situation.

I don't agree that "Dixie" is necesarily a contraversial or derogetory term (only if you have bought-in to the intimidation of the PC-police). I also don't think the word "Confederate" or their flag are necesarily a racial ephitet (only if you take it that way).

I don't hear the UofU protesting when they play UNLV (Running Rebels) or when their "Hey Reb" mascot (a confederate soldier) runs out on the field.

What's up with getting all high-and-mighty about Dixie College's symbols and mascot?

Let's be Salt Lake City South | 12:24 p.m. Nov. 5, 2007

I have both graduated from and worked for Dixie College and I am sad to see the changes that have taken place over the years. The mentality changed with Bob Huddleston and has continued to deteriorate ever since.

Dixie has lost its "Spirit" or sole for those of you who have never been there to experience it. The drive to expand its offerings has taken a toll on the institution and I see this as a final step in eliminating what was once a place I wanted to send my kids.

Progress is expected and the desire to improve should always be present but at the cost of the institution seems to be the wrong move. St. George needs better educational opportunities and those should be resolved by cooperation between the residents of the community and the body that governs higher education.

The Board of Regents have proven by their actions in the past to be unwilling to solve the problems that exist. When "The Cowboy Caucus" has to step in to get things done at the legislative level it proves the point.

It is tragic that the current administration is being allowed to kill the Dixie Spirit.

Sarah | 1:12 p.m. Nov. 5, 2007

I am not surprised the "Real Southerner" thinks that they know all about the south and the Confereacy and what it may mean to others. Don't speak for all southerners because you don't. We aren't talking historical facts here, we are talking about perceptions. The Confederate Flag has been used too often for offensive causes and represents a part of my southern heritage I am more than qualified to speak about. It is still one country, regardless of where we grew up or where we live. The conferate flag is offensive because what others have used it to represent. It is time for Dixie College to enter the 21st century and recognize that flag for what it really represents to a lot of other people for very real reasons.

Its all about the perceptions! | 3:41 p.m. Nov. 5, 2007

I agree. Its all about perceptions. Lets face it, none of this would even be an issue; we would have never even have broached this topic if Dixie College was consistently growing proportionately with the population of Washington County. But, unfortunately, Dixie has done a miserable job of recruiting and retention and has now found itself throwing out lifelines to whomever will take one. In this situation it is the U of U who will end up rescuing Dixie.
Dixie has not competed successfully against other Utah schools for that all important student and his/her tuition money. Dixie must become a lean, mean and competitive recruiting machine to win the recruiting wars. Any negative perception will kill their ability. Agree with it or not, the Dixie name/confederate imagery flat out kills Dixie's chances at recruiting outside the state of Utah. I can't tell you how many times I've had students ask me if we're located in Mississippi or Georgia after hearing the name. The fact that only a couple of years ago we were using the confederate flag to compliment our Rebel mascot is astounding. Itï¿½s a matter of perception, plain and simple! It has to change, and now!

Common Sense | 5:11 p.m. Nov. 5, 2007

How has Dixie continued to flounder while SUU, a mere 45 miles up the road, flourishes with enrollment increases every year, a great faculty, a terrific student atmosphere, and quality programs? Why doesn't anyone consider joining SUU and DSC together? That makes more sense on many levels anyway. Get over the old rivalries and bring the two together as Southern Utah's regional university! If that doesn't work, let Dixie figure on its own for once how to right the ship without relying on someone else to bail them out.

Anonymous | 8:45 p.m. Nov. 5, 2007

Having spent my time at the U of U many years ago,
I would never ever want to let them be in charge of anything, let alone a school on the other end of the state. Soon as money is tight, guess what programs will be terminated. It won't be in Salt Lake.
Been there, fought with the U mentallity and never want to again.

Dixie | 10:36 p.m. Nov. 5, 2007

Boot the Utes.

Your been backwards this long.

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