Fighting Sioux backers appeal to Hoeven

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A group of Spirit Lake Sioux tribal members who lost a court fight on the University of North Dakota’s Fighting Sioux nickname want Gov. John Hoeven to intervene.

In a letter to the governor, five tribal members asked Hoeven to press the Board of Higher Education to take back its decision last week to drop the nickname.

Although Hoeven appoints the board, it is independent. Its members may ignore the governor if they wish.

The tribal members recently sued in state district court to attempt to block the board from making a decision on the nickname until Nov. 30. The deadline was set in a lawsuit settlement with the NCAA.

The North Dakota Supreme Court ruled last week the Board of Higher Education may change the nickname as it pleases.

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