FSU student reps: No headdresses at Seminoles games
May 4, 2016 - 12:11 AM TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Florida State University's student government has passed a resolution discouraging Seminoles fans from wearing Native American headdresses at games.The Student Government Association approved the nonbinding, formal opinion by a 27-4 vote on April 20 asking the university's administration to consider adding the wearing of headdresses as a violation of the student code of conduct.
The SGA said it passed the resolution because many of the headdresses worn at athletic events are representative of other tribes, in particular Plains tribes like the Sioux, and not the Seminoles. Part of the resolution reads that the Senate ''does not condone the wearing of headdresses because it inaccurately depicts the culture of the Seminole Tribe.''
University spokeswoman Browning Brooks said in an email that the resolution is a ''very thoughtful and reasonable request.''
''We appreciate the motivation behind it, as well as the tone,'' Brooks said. ''The administration will give this careful thought and consider some ideas to promote additional cultural sensitivity by our students and fans.''
Even if the administration decided to add the headdress issue to the code of conduct, enforcing it could be difficult because of concerns that it might violate students' First Amendment right to free speech.
Florida State is one of four schools where the NCAA has approved the use of a Native American name and imagery because of the support of the Seminole Tribe of Florida in 2005. The others are Central Michigan University (Chippewas), University of Utah (Utes) and Mississippi College (Choctaws). Four Division I schools - Alcorn State, Bradley, Illinois and William & Mary - have Native American nicknames but do not use mascots or imagery.
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Noles News: Tate Rodemaker out, Brock Glenn in. Dec 26
- FSU quarterback to enter transfer portal, skip Orange Bowl Dec 25
- Noles News: Noel Noles! It’s officially Orange Bowl week Dec 25
- Why does FSU want to leave the ACC? Explaining Florida State’s beef with the conference Dec 23
- BREAKING: 2025 five star offensive lineman commits to FSU Dec 22
- “Mismanaging media rights, ‘draconian’ exit fees:” Details of Florida State University Board of Trustees’ lawsuit vs. the ACC Dec 22
- ACC commissioner Jim Phillips issues response to FSU lawsuit: “Clear violation of their legal commitments to the other members of the conference” Dec 22
- Florida State Board of Trustees votes unanimously to take legal action against the Atlantic Coast Conference Dec 22
- FSU vs. ACC: How did we get here? Revenue issues, Grant of Rights and more Dec 22
- FSU holds Board of Trustees meeting, discussing status in ACC Dec 22
- Florida State of Recruiting: Breaking down #Tribe24 — Favorite signees, player projections, biggest misses Dec 22
- Noles News: Lawrance Toafili is ready to respond Dec 22