Indian nicknames have a proud SEMO tradition

To the editor:

I just read with disgust your article about scrapping the Indian and Otahkian nicknames for Southeast Missouri State University's athletic teams.

Alan Zacharias, vice president of university advancement, says the change is not being made out of political correctness. To that I say, "Hogwash!" This is all about political correctness and bending to the will of others even when we have nothing to be ashamed of.

I'm a proud graduate of SEMO and have always been proud of the Indian nickname. It was not pulled out of thin air. It has a background in the tragic tale of the Trail of Tears. We don't have caricatures of silly savages dancing around and whooping wildly. The Indian and his heritage are treated with respect at SEMO. Why is it wrong to honor the Indian by adopting his nickname for our teams? I fail to see the logic in this.

We are giving up our history and our heritage for the sake of avoiding stepping on a few toes. If people have a problem with the Indian nickname, then the problem is theirs. Look out, Jackson Indian and Scott County Central Brave faithful. Your nicknames may be the next to be attacked. This is the most ridiculous idea I've heard since they tried to change our official abbreviation to SEMSU. We are SEMO.

Be proud, Indians and Otahkians.

JEFF SEYER

Edwardsville, Ill.