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

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.
- Illinois: Chief Illiniwek
- Tennessee Chattanooga: Chief Moccanooga
- University of Oklahoma: Big Red
- Ole Miss: Colonel Reb
- Syracuse: The Saltine Warrior
- Central Michigan Chippewas
- Florida State Seminoles
- San Diego Aztecs
- Utah Utes
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