"The NCAA staff review committee has included the College of William and Mary on the list of colleges and universities subject to restrictions on the use of Native American mascots, names and imagery at NCAA championships.

"The staff review committee reviewed the College of William and Mary�s institutional self study and corresponding documents and determined that, based on the use of Native American feather imagery in conjunction with the nickname "Tribe," the College of William and Mary should be included on the list of colleges and universities subject to the provisions of the policy.

"The College of William and Mary raised three points to support its conclusion that the use of the term "Tribe" by the college is not inconsistent with the NCAA Constitution and principle of nondiscrimination. First, the college contended that the nickname "Tribe" is designed to communicate ennobling sentiments of commitment, shared idealism, community and common cause. The institution noted that, several years ago, on its own initiative, it abandoned the use of the nickname "Indians" as well as a Native American mascot. Second, the college suggested that the term "Tribe" appropriately highlights a historical connection with the education of Native Americans in that a principal element of the college�s founding mission was the education of indigenous peoples. Finally, the college noted that regional tribal leaders have indicated that they do not consider William and Mary�s use of the nickname "Tribe" to be hostile or abusive.

"The committee agrees with the institution�s position that the nickname "Tribe," has various connotations, and notes that absent Native American imagery, the term "Tribe" does not invoke Native American meanings. However, the committee believes that coupling the term "Tribe" with imagery that has traditionally been linked to Native Americans, for example eagle feathers and arrowheads, transforms that use from one associated with "togetherness," "shared idealism," and "commitment" to a stereotypical reference to Native Americans.

"The committee commends the college for the steps it has taken to eliminate the nickname "Indians" and to discontinue the use of a Native American mascot. Additionally, the committee recognizes the college�s focus on Native American research and studies as well as the opportunities provided for Native Americans. However, the Executive Committee�s policy, and the staff review committee�s application of the policy have consistently held that good intentions and well-meaning efforts by schools cannot by themselves overcome the objection of those being characterized by such terms. The committee believes that while the college�s rationale for the use of the nickname and imagery is not inherently hostile or abusive, and the college may not intend to malign Native Americans, the continued use of such Native American references creates an environment over which an institution may not have full control. Fans, opponents, and others can and will exhibit behaviors that indeed are hostile or abusive to Native Americans.

"The committee also recognizes the support from the Virginia tribal leaders but notes that while not all Native Americans are of the same mind with regard to the effect of such nicknames, mascots and imagery, a significant majority of the two million individuals who designate themselves as solely Native American concur that stereotyping of their culture and customs has contributed to a continuation of the hostile or abusive environment in which they have been placed for generations.

"The NCAA�s position on the use of Native American mascots, names and imagery has not changed, and the NCAA remains committed to ensuring an atmosphere of respect and sensitivity for all who participate in and attend our championships.

"If an institution disagrees with a decision by the staff review committee, an appeal can be filed with the NCAA Executive Committee. This appeal must be submitted in writing. Depending on an institution's divisional affiliation, appeals will be reviewed by the appropriate presidential governance entity for a recommendation to the Executive Committee. In the case of William and Mary, it is the Division I Board of Directors."