Web site taking ideas for SEMO mascot

Want to suggest a new mascot and nickname for Southeast Missouri State University?

A campus committee, which is studying the issue, has created a Web page to solicit suggestions.

The page is on the university's Web site at www2.semo.edu/urelations/mascot.

The committee, appointed by school president Dr. Ken Dobbins, is following in the footsteps of the school's National Alumni Council, Student Government and the Booster Club board, which have recommended the school retire its Indian nicknames and adopt a new nickname and mascot.

Supporters of the change say the Indian and Otahkian nicknames are offensive to American Indians and the National Collegiate Athletic Association has encouraged colleges to drop Indian nicknames.