Colleges That Have Changed Their Nicknames

Colleges That Have Changed Their Nickname Due To Public Pressure
With Native American groups crying foul, colleges have changed their nicknames so that they will no longer be perceived as insensitive

At the turn of the 19th century, many professional and collegiate universities sought to unite their teams and fan bases behind a particular nickname and mascot brand. Many schools and teams chose generic Indian names while others saluted particular tribes.

Notable Colleges That Have Changed Their Nicknames

Arkansas State Indians are now the Red Wolves
Colgate Red Raiders became the Raiders
Dartmouth Indians became the Big Green
Louisiana-Monroe Indians became the Warhawks. They also sent “Chief Brave Spirit” packing
Marquette Warriors became the Golden Eagles in 1994. They also retired their mascot “Willie Wampum” in 1971.
Miami University changed from the Redskins to Redhawks in 1996
St. Johns Redmen became the Red Storm in 1995
Stanford Indians are now the Stanford Cardinal
Syracuse Orangemen became the “Orange”. They also retired the mascot known as the “Saltine Warrior.”
UMass Redmen became the Minutemen in 1972

colleges that have changed their nicknames

The Saltine Warrior
In 1931,an Indian dressed mascot began appearing at Syracuse University sporting events. The costume was donned by Lambda Chi brothers for a 4-decade run before other students were allowed to participate. As time passed by, there was pressure from Native Americans to retire the Saltine Warrior. This mascot tradition was retired by the school in 1978.

Fired Mascots: Due to public pressure, these collegiate mascots were given their walking papers by their respective universities.