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(AP) - Award-winning author Louise Erdrich has said
"no" to an honorary degree from the University of North Dakota
because of the school's continued use of the "Fighting Sioux"
sports team name and logo.

      Erdrich, who grew up in North Dakota and has an American Indian
heritage, rejected the degree in a letter to UND President Charles
Kupchella. 

The offer means "a great deal" to her, Erdrich wrote,
and she would happily accept it but for the logo.

      "I hate to do something like this," Erdrich told the Star
Tribune. "It goes against my grain. But I do
feel strongly about this symbol."

      Kupchella said Erdrich was nominated for the honorary degree
from some of the faculty members in Indian programs, and he was
surprised and disappointed that she had rejected it.

      The NCAA has barred UND from displaying its Fighting Sioux logo
in postseason play. The NCAA considers the logo hostile and
abusive. The university disputes those claims and is suing to lift
the ban. The issue is set for trial in December.


      Erdrich, who won the National Book Critics Circle Award for her
debut novel, "Love Medicine" (1984), grew up in Wahpeton, in
southeastern North Dakota. 

She attended Dartmouth College in
Hanover, N.H., but the University of North Dakota educated members
of her family and of her tribe, the Turtle Mountain Band of
Chippewa.
      
      
      (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)
      


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Erdrich grew up in North Dakota and has an American Indian heritage. The offer of an honorary degree means "a great deal" to her, Erdrich said, and she would happily accept it but for the school's Fighting Sioux logo.


Author Louise Erdrich rejects UND honor over 'Sioux' nickname

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