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Posted by
Olog-hai
on Thu Jul 16 11:46:02 2020
Not even college ball is immune. Seems to be more susceptible.
Columbus Dispatch
Capital University to drop ‘Crusaders’ nickname, mascot CappyBy Joey Kaufman
Jul 13, 2020 3:13 PMCapital University announced Monday that it plans to drop the “Crusaders” nickname for its sports teams and in other areas of campus life.
The decision was reached after 15 months of consideration by the board of trustees, according to a letter co-signed by chairman Andre Porter and interim president Dave Kaufman.
As part of the name change, the school also will retire the mascot known as Cappy the Crusader, who depicts a warrior who fought in the Crusades, the series of religious wars between Christians and Muslims in medieval Europe.
“We believe that the University nickname and mascot should be a unifying symbol that enhances school spirit and pride for all who are affiliated with Capital,” the letter read. “In recent years, our nickname has been challenged by students and faculty for its connection to the historic Crusades. The detailed study found a significant portion of the Capital family shares this perspective.
“At the same time, we know that this will be a difficult decision for many in the Capital family who have great pride and fond memories associated with Crusaders and Cappy. These rich traditions were also captured in the detailed study. The multifaceted considerations related to university nicknames and mascots are not unique to Capital, and this was not an easy decision for the Board of Trustees.”
The name change does not take place immediately; “Crusaders” will remain in use until a replacement is picked.
Capital said an “ideation and change process” will occur over the following months among students, faculty and alumni, among other university stakeholders.
Teams from the private university in Bexley compete in the Ohio Athletic Conference, an NCAA Division III league.
The Crusaders nickname had been in use for more than a half-century, beginning in 1963 when it was adopted by the football team, sports information director Ryan Gasser wrote in an email. The mascot debuted in 2008. It was christened “Cappy” in a vote by students at the time.
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