VALPARAISO, Ind. – The University of Valparaiso announced on Thursday that it is setting aside the name of the Crusaders team, the school mascot and all the logos associated with the term that it said had been embraced by hate groups.
The decision comes after decades of debate that had intensified recently because groups like the Ku Klux Klan began using symbols and words. The school’s senate faculty and students passed resolutions to call for change, and the university’s alumni board of directors supported the assessment of the suitability of the team’s name.
The Crusades were a series of bloody religious wars that began in the 11th century between Christians and Muslims. For years, Valpo’s mascot has been a helmet figure with fake armor.
“The negative connotation and violence associated with Crusader images does not reflect Valpo’s mission and values, which promote a welcoming and inclusive community,” said interim President Colette Irwin-Knott. “This is the decision that best reflects our values and our community.”
President-elect Jose D. Padilla will oversee a committee that will consider adopting a new team and pet name for the 3,100-student Lutheran School located in northwest Indiana. Padilla is scheduled to assume the presidency on March 1.
Student president Kaitlyn Steinhiser said the student senate believed the school mascot should represent the values of the university and help create the school spirit.
“The crusader doesn’t do it effectively,” he said.
Irwin-Knott said Valparaiso continues to lead other universities, which have also been abandoned by Croats.
“Valpo is and has always been a faith-based institution, and we want to make sure our symbolism is in line with our beliefs and speaks to the core values of Lutheran ethics,” he said. “At Valpo, we strive to seek the truth, serve generously, and cultivate hope. We do not believe that the crusader has our values as his pet.”