From: "Andre P. Cramblit" <andrekar@ncidc.org >
Date: Mon Oct 8, 2001 2:18 pm
Subject: Racist Shirts
To: undisclosed-recipients

Hello everyone,

I've attached a copy of a tee shirt that was on sale in Grand Forks last week (and during the conference). We received a call from a student Wed. night saying he'd seen it on display at Sound Track Pro Audio & Lighting in the Crown Colony Complex (next to the Down Under bar). Someone tried to buy one on Thursday but was told he would have to make an appointment with the business owner to purchase one. A shirt was purchased the following morning at the appointed time.

The person who sold the shirt said he was going to load them into his van and drive around to UND fraternities to sell them.

The shirts are both racist and homophobic. The image is a caricature of an Indian man having anal sex with a buffalo. (For those of you who may not know—UND's football rival is North Dak. State Univ. Their symbol is a bison.)

Thank you to those who, at some risk to themselves, tried to purchase the tee shirt, and when that was not immediately possible, went to where several of the shirts were proudly displayed in a glass case in the Crown Gallery complex and photographed them.

Because of their action we were able to make the sale of this tee shirt known. UND's president issued a statement saying "I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would sell such an item, let along wear it."

Perhaps this will help the president understand the situation:

1. It was made because there was a market for it

2. It is worn because the "Fighting Sioux" name and logo sends the message it's OK

3. The shirt is a direct result of UND's continued use of the name and symbol

The shirt will be added to the collection of other obscene tee shirts worn by both UND and NDSU fans over the years.

lucy