The NCAA has decided to onmaintain its restrictions on three universities, including the University of North Dakota, for their use of Native American mascots.

In denying the University of Illinois, Champaign, the University of North Dakota, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania appeals, the Executive Committee concluded that Native American references used by each university create hostile or abusive environments inconsistent with the NCAA constitution and inconsistent with the NCAA commitment to diversity, respect and sportsmanship.

Today�s decision means the University of Illinois, Champaign, the University of North Dakota and Indiana University of Pennsylvania will only be invited to participate in NCAA championships if they elect to do so without Native American references on their uniforms and associated athletic program activities. It also means these institutions will not be allowed to host NCAA championship events.

Bradley University has been spared because they "removed all Native American imagery" and only kept a generic nickname of "Braves."

UND President Charles Kupchella released a statement.

We are not only disappointed by the NCAA�s action, we are baffled by it. We will continue to take issue with the fact that the policy is illegitimate and that it has been applied to UND inappropriately and in an arbitrary and capricious manner. Our next step will be to consider legal and other options with the State Board of Higher Education and the North Dakota Attorney General.

Its news page today cites yet another American Indian program richly funded by the university. It appears Kupchella needs to spread a little largesse on more members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, where one leader's letter in favor of the name was countered with another leader against.

One writer suggests perhaps the university can use the water of the ice at Ralph Englestad Arena to create a new mascot.