Braves logo should be here to stay

By Alan Chase
Staff Writer

What is the big deal over the logo and nickname of UNCP? The NCAA Board needs to understand the special circumstances surrounding our selection and use of these symbols. These symbols of our University are a long lasting reminder of the unique history of UNCP.

According to the UNCP website, UNCP was founded in 1887 as the Croatan Normal School. The school was created by the General Assembly upon request of local Indians and was moved to its present location in 1909. From 1911 to 1945, the school went through several name changes and academic program additions.

Prior to 1945, only Indians residing in Robeson County could attend the school. But, in 1945, Indians from all federally recognized groups were accepted. Also in 1945, 40 percent of the enrollment was opened to whites, and in the following year, it was opened to all races. Until 1953, UNCP was the only state supported school for Indians in the nation.

The school was officially named The University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 1996 and has been a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina since 1972.

According to The Pine Needle, the Lumbee Tribal Council passed a 2002 resolution in support of the UNCP logo and nickname. Also, the council has just recently passed another resolution in support of UNCP. In addition, The Pine Needle reported, “The University wants to follow the community’s lead.”