On July 21, 2015 the University of North Dakota Nickname Committee eliminated the option of continuing to play as UND/North Dakota. This is an utter disgrace to fans, students, faculty, and alumni alike.

The committee has been a facade to the public by current UND administration in order to make it seem as if there is actual discussion in keeping the public's best interest at the forefront.

We understand we cannot be The Fighting Sioux, but we should not have an option forced down our throat either. The committee was supposedly formed to "represent" the public's actual view as a whole, and to take into consideration the viewpoints of stakeholders. From the appointing of committee members to the dictating of nickname options by President Kelley, It has been a travesty. With recent Grand Forks Herald polls showing that indeed the most popular nickname was keeping the no nickname option or "UND," leading at a resounding 40%, it does not make any sense to vote it out in committee.

When has forcing an agenda on a populace ever worked? The last time it happened was when the NCAA outlawed the Sioux name, no matter what nickname you are for, very few were happy with that.

Hence, we believe that University of North Dakota should be put back on the table as an option along with the others. The committee should be disbanded. A vote, open to current UND students, North Dakota residents, and verified alumni among the final names shall be taken in September, at a date determined by the Student Government.

Please comment, share, and show your support. It is not only our duty to current students and alumni, but to incoming students. #GoUND #GoGreen