Valparaiso is retiring the Crusader mascot and nickname. Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire

Valparaiso dropping Crusaders name, mascot, logos due to association with hate groups

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 2/11/21

On Thursday, Valparaiso University announced that it is dropping the Crusaders team name, mascot and the team logo due to their associations with hate groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, which often use the symbol and words linked with the college.

According to Bob Kasarda of the Times of Northwest Indiana, a task force made up of students, faculty, staff, athletics and alumni representatives convened last semester to discuss the name, mascot and logo.

"The task force received approximately 7,700 survey responses and all feedback was given careful consideration," interim president Colette Irwin-Knott said.

Irwin-Knott continued:

"The negative connotation and violence associated with the Crusader imagery are not reflective of Valpo's mission and values, which promote a welcoming and inclusive community. This is the decision that best reflects our values and community."

She added:

"Valpo is and always has been a faith-based institution, and we want to make sure our symbolism is in alignment with our beliefs and speaks to the core values of the Lutheran ethos. At Valpo, we strive to seek truth, serve generously and cultivate hope. We do not believe having the Crusader as our mascot portrays these values."

As the university retires the Crusader name, mascot and logo, a committee will be formed "to engage the campus community in considering and adopting a new mascot."

Back in 2017, Frank Fitzpatrick of the Philadelphia Inquirer touched upon how numerous schools had already dropped ties with the Crusaders' name and imagery.

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