INDIANAPOLIS --- The NCAA Executive Committee today retained the University of Illinois, Champaign, the University of North Dakota and Indiana University of Pennsylvania on the list of colleges and universities subject to restrictions on the use of Native American mascots, names and imagery at NCAA championships.

The Executive Committee also removed Bradley University from the list of schools subject to restrictions and placed the institution on a five-year watch list.

In denying the University of Illinois, Champaign, the University of North Dakota, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania appeals, the Executive Committee concluded that Native American references used by each university create hostile or abusive environments inconsistent with the NCAA constitution and inconsistent with the NCAA commitment to diversity, respect and sportsmanship.

Today’s decision means the University of Illinois, Champaign, the University of North Dakota and Indiana University of Pennsylvania will only be invited to participate in NCAA championships if they elect to do so without Native American references on their uniforms and associated athletic program activities. It also means these institutions will not be allowed to host NCAA championship events.

Bradley University previously removed all Native American imagery associated with its athletics programs and only kept the generic nickname “Braves.” Based on information contained in Bradley’s appeal, the Executive Committee found Bradley demonstrated its ability to provide an environment that is not hostile or abusive and one that is consistent with the NCAA constitution and commitment to diversity, respect and sportsmanship. Bradley will be placed on a watch list for five years, during which time the NCAA will work with the school to assure that circumstances do not change. Bradley is allowed to fully participate in and host NCAA championships without restrictions.

In November, 2005, the NCAA removed championship restrictions on the University of Illinois, Champaign’s use of its nicknames “Illini” and “Fighting Illini” because the university demonstrated the nicknames were not a direct Native American reference, but a reference to the state of Illinois.

Over the last eight months, four institutions have been removed from the list because they have received approval from specific Native American “namesake” tribes for use of their names; six have remained on the list with one appeal pending; five institutions have changed or are in the process of changing their nicknames; three are pending NCAA staff review and one has now been put on a watch list.