Keep old tradition

By Ryland "Dutch" Meyr

I am very concerned about changing the name of the Indians. The people I have talked to think it is not necessary. Changing the name was instigated by only a small fraction of our population. It is my opinion that the general concept of the people who have attended Southeast Missouri State university -- particularly the ones who have participated in sports -- is to keep the Indian name and restore the old tradition of the mascot.

Do you think other schools will change? There are the Florida State Seminoles, Arkansas State Indians, Washington Redskins, Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves. And many high schools have Indian mascots, including Jackson High School.

How was the committee chosen? Are there any area people representing the average citizen who supports SEMO by sending their children to school here and who pay taxes here?

Are we always going to listen to every minority?

What about the expense of new uniforms? I thought we were experiencing a tight budget.

I urge the university to reconsider what it is doing. The tradition of SEMO is important to us alumni and area residents.

Ryland "Dutch" Meyr of Jackson is a Southeast Missouri State University alumnus.