After forty years of being the "Crusaders", Clarke University higher ups have made the decision to change the name because of a belief that it will offend people, particularly Muslims. They have cited the violent history of the Crusades as an excuse to change the Clarke nickname, ignoring the current definition of the term of a social justice warrior, fighting for a just cause. The name "Crusaders" exemplified the Clarke mission of global awareness and social responsibility, and fighting for the Common Good.

The new name, "Pride", has many problems attached to it. On one hand, it is unique and exciting to have a Catholic college be attached to the gay rights movement, and Pride keeps with the lion theme. However, "Pride" has many negative connotations associated with it as well. Pride is one of the seven deadly sins, in opposition to the Clarke mission. Pride was the sin that caused Lucifer to fall from Heaven. Also many people could take the new nickname as Clarke wanting its students to be prideful. This is something that has been heard in response to the name change.

A big problem with this change was they way in which it was gone about. Students and alum were not polled about this entirely. In 2016, the students were polled about whether or not they wanted to change "Crusaders" and the results were not released to the public. But many people spoke out in opposition of the change. That was the end of that, or so we thought. Then in February of 2017, students were shocked to find out that Clarke had ultimately made the decision to change the name, not only that but that the name had already been decided upon. Students and alum were shocked and outraged, and now call for a chance to be a part of this decision.

Students and alum are ultimately the ones affected by this. Teams have to spend money from their limited budgets to replace gear that have the word "Crusaders" on them. Because of this teams may be unable to replace torn or dirty gear. Athletes have to play under the name of "Pride" even if they do not agree with or embrace the term. Other students have a similar experience. Alum are faced with the fact that they are no longer "Crusaders" and many have threatened to relinquish donations to the school.