UND Student Senate Want “North Dakota” Nickname As Option

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — The University of North Dakota Student Senate wants "North Dakota" to be an option when people affiliated with the university vote on a new nickname for the school.

WDAZ reports the student group passed a resolution over the weekend in favor of the option, despite university President Robert Kelley saying last week that it would not be included in the vote.

Kelley says "North Dakota" is an identity that already exists — not a nickname. The five nickname options that will be voted on next month are Roughriders, North Stars, Fighting Hawks, Nodaks and Sundogs.

Student Sen. Chase Johnson says "North Dakota" appears to be a popular candidate and should be considered.

UND's former nickname, "Fighting Sioux," was deemed offensive by the NCAA and was dropped three years ago.