UWG News Archive

UWG to change mascot

February 22, 2005

CARROLLTON, GA - The University of West Georgia Mascot Committee, ending a 10-month comprehensive study, has recommended that the University’s mascot be changed from the “Braves” to a new mascot to be determined in the near future. The recommendation has been formally accepted by Dr. Beheruz N. Sethna, president.

“Based on the recommendation of the Mascot Committee and of the President’s Advisory Committee that has received this recommendation, I agree that it is in the best long-term interest of the University to change its mascot to a non-ethnic mascot, devoid of ethnic imagery,” Sethna said.

The committee, formed in April 2004, was charged by Sethna to study and make a recommendation on the question “Should the University of West Georgia change from ‘Braves’?” The committee was comprised of nine members representing the constituencies of alumni, athletics, athletic boosters, faculty, staff and the current student body.

“For the record, I understand, and am very respectful of both sides of the argument,” he continued. “Both sides argued from legitimate viewpoints and were very honest about their reasons and emotions. Unfortunately, with vastly differing opinions, any decision made might, by definition, be perceived negatively by a couple of very important constituencies, and positively by others.”

According to committee chair Mike Hester, assistant to the dean of the Honors College and debate coach, the committee gathered information and debated the merits of the following:

arguments for change based on the possibly culturally derogatory nature and potential sacrilegious defamation of indigenous identity;
arguments for change based on the possible marketing disadvantage from competing with the Atlanta professional baseball club for “name brand” in the region;
arguments for change based on the financial, human and material costs of complying with NCAA guidelines for schools choosing to maintain “ethnic” mascots and icons;
arguments for change based on campus opposition to the current mascot/icon;
arguments opposing change based on alumni and booster support for the tradition of the current mascot/icon;
arguments opposing change based on possible costs related to making a change and the potential loss of financial support resulting from those opposed to the change.

“I want to thank the committee for doing an exceptionally thorough job with the review of the literature, the differing opinions, and the pros and cons of change,” Sethna said. “The committee was faced with a difficult task with opinions from the Booster Club and Alumni Association in favor of retaining the mascot and from the Faculty Senate and the Student Government Association (SGA) in favor of change.”

Sethna commended the various constituencies for the professional manner in which the discussions and debates were conducted.

“I must make special mention of the SGA which convened a series of open meetings and discussion sessions on the matter before they voted,” he said.

Sethna outlined the next steps involved in determining a new identity for the University.

“We will invite submissions for a new mascot – not just a one-word suggestion – but a description of why and how it would work for UWG, and perhaps even a sketch,” he explained.

The details of these submissions will be announced in the near future. Those invited to submit entries would include, but not be restricted to, students, faculty, staff, alumni, boosters, friends of UWG and external consultants.

Sethna noted that thus far, the University has (as has the NCAA) referred to this entire discussion by “lumping together” a physical mascot, a name, imagery, symbols, etc. For the next stage, these may be reviewed as being related, but separate decisions. For example, there are universities that use a name for their athletic teams that is different from a physical mascot on the field or court.

“In that light, I will give special consideration to a new name, used in an adjectival sense, ‘The Brave’– with the specific understanding that it will not restrict the creative design of the new mascot,” Sethna said. “I do this out of respect for the alumni and boosters and with the specific intention of providing them a tie with the past.”

Sethna explained that the connotations of ‘The Brave’, if pursued, would not include any ethnic implications, imagery or war chants. This is necessary in order for UWG to be excluded from the NCAA’s set of schools having ethnic names or mascots.

“There are several compelling reasons to consider ‘The Brave’ as in America, the ‘Home of the Brave.’ Fortunately, our colors (being red and blue and invariably appearing together with white) are well suited to this connotation,” he pointed out.

Sethna also noted that Webster’s Dictionary defines ‘Brave’ as having courage, making a fine show, and excellent, splendid. Selected synonyms include audacious, boldhearted, bravehearted, courageous, dauntless, fearless, gallant, gutsy, heroic, intrepid, lionhearted, plucky, soldierly, spunky, stalwart, stout, unafraid, valiant and valorous.

Related words include daring, defiant, gritty, hardy, resolute, spirited, steadfast, venturesome, chivalrous, noble and confident.

“Let me repeat my thanks to all who debated this very important issue and emphasize my strong desire to move forward with a great new mascot,” Sethna concluded.

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