Response to Article: "An Admirable Display of Courage"

Response to Article: "An Admirable Display of Courage"

Written by: Erich Longie, Spirit Lake Consulting

Response submitted by: Dr. Leigh D. Jeanotte, Director, American Indian Student Services at the University of North Dakota

 

March 16, 2010

 

It was with great interest that I read "An Admirable Display of Courage" by Dr. Erich Longie.  I wondered what this long-time very vocal opponent of the Fighting Sioux nickname at the University of North Dakota (UND) would have to say about the rather historic meeting he attended of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education (NDSBHE) held on the UND campus.  I use the word "historic" to describe this meeting because according to news reports, for the first time in this decades-long controversy, leadership within the NDSBHE and at an administrative level at UND voiced loud and clear their desire and the need for the nickname to go - the sooner the better. 

 

Dr. Longie addressed this historic turn of events within the framework of organizational theory and behavior, and did so in way that gave credit - even praise - to the leaders who dared to publicly speak out in favor of immediately retiring the outdated tradition of Fighting Sioux athletics at UND.  Longie credited UND President Robert Kelley, Chancellor William Goetz, Board member Mike Haugen, and Athletic Director Brian Faison with moral courage and credited them for inspiring local Grand Forks Herald reporter Tu-Uyen Tran to make the following honest admission via the headline of his Herald story: "Tide Seems to Turn Against Nickname," which was, by all accounts, a change of perspective from this nickname supporting newspaper reporter.

 

In reading Dr. Longie's essay and other writings, I must commend him on his enthusiasm and optimistic approach regarding this rather tiring story and process (retirement of the UND nickname).  Through his newsletter, he brings new energy to those who feel exhausted with the length of time this controversy has simmered, and he does so in a fully informed, research backed, academically sound manner.  Dr. Longie's perspective is refreshing and honest, and I fully endorse his worthy contributions to the world of publishing.  I can only imagine how powerful this American Indian (Spirit Lake Nation) writer's messages could be within our society if the American public took notice of his articles and paused long enough to learn!

About this Entry

This page contains a single entry by Dr. Erich Longie published on March 18, 2010 5:59 PM.

In Loving Memory of My Brother, Mark Anthony Longie was the previous entry in this blog.

Group Dysfunction and/or Mob Mentality is the next entry in this blog.

Find recent content on the main index or look in the archives to find all content.