VALPARAISO, Ind. – Valparaiso University announced on Thursday that it is dropping the Crusaders team name, the school mascot and any logos associated with the term, which are said to have been embraced by hate groups.
The decision comes after decades of debate that had recently intensified as groups such as the Ku Klux Klan began using the symbols and words. The school’s faculty and student senates each passed resolutions calling for the change, and the university’s alumni board supported reassessing the appropriateness of the team name.
The Crusades were a series of bloody religious wars that started in the 11th century between Christians and Muslims. Valpo’s mascot has been a helmeted figure in fake armor for years.
“The negative connotations and violence associated with the Crusader images do 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 community.”
President-elect Jose D. Padilla will lead a committee that will consider adopting a new team name and mascot for the 3,100 student Lutheran school in northwest Indiana. Padilla will take over the position of president on March 1.
Student president Kaitlyn Steinhiser said the student senate felt the school mascot should represent the values of the university and help create the school spirit.
“The crusader doesn’t do that effectively,” she said.
Irwin-Knott said Valparaiso is following the lead of other universities, which have also dropped crusaders.
“Valpo has been and has always been a faith-based institution, and we want to ensure that our symbolism is consistent with our beliefs and speaks to the core values of the Lutheran ethos,” she said. “At Valpo, we strive to seek truth, serve generously, and cultivate hope. We do not believe the Crusader as our mascot portrays these values.”