Recently, the University of Utah had a chance to do the right thing. They’ve had the opportunity before, but it’s never been this easy- the “right thing” has never been so clear. But, in the tawdry name of tradition, the University has decided to stand behind their offensive, culturally insensitive logo. 

I, for one, would like to voice my utter and profound disappointment. 

The drum and feather, like the land we live on and the air we breathe, was stolen from cultures much older and much wiser than our own. If the University of Utah would acknowledge their lapse in judgement and truly consider the meaning of their actions, it would become clear that these items, which we use so carelessly in our expressions of school “pride” (that’s one of the seven deadly, if I’m not mistaken), are not theirs to exploit. 

Respect? No. Celebration of Native American culture? No. Inalterable tradition? Absolutely not. 

Donning a headdress and warpaint and getting drunk at a University-sponsored football game is the epitome of institutionalized exploitation. It is the equivalent of going out for a night of boozing and shenanigans in nothing but garments and calling it “celebration” of the LDS culture. 

With repulsive disregard, the University of Utah has, for years, been plastering these sacred items— the drum and feather— onto bumper stickers and cheap sweatshirts; on frisbees and keychains; on all the petty and wasteful items that we produce a million times over for the sake of rowdy tailgating parties and the superficial promotion of our football team. This is not cultural appreciation— this is blatant appropriation. 

Before you attack, let me assuage your fears. The football team will continue to thrive with whatever symbols we choose to don. The students, staff, and faculty of the University of Utah will continue to show support for their alma mater. The corporate vultures will continue to make their living from overpriced items at the bookstore. Never fear, we are adaptive creatures and we WILL survive the trauma of a logo change.  

As a graduate student, I’d like to be proud of my school. I’d like to sport my University of Utah gear and slap a bumper sticker on the back of my car to ensure that the world know where my allegiances lie. I’d like to spend a bunch of my hard-earned money on useless garb and line the pockets of CEO’s across the state… 

But I won’t. Not until there’s really something to be proud of. Not until the University of Utah crawls out of the nineteenth century and sheds the racism and ethnocentrism that they’re so abhorrently calling “tradition.” 

Until then, I say shame on the University of Utah.