IUP announced yesterday that it has changed the nickname for its sports teams from Indians to the more politically correct Crimson Hawks. The move was necessitated by an NCAA decision last year that restricted the use of certain Native American mascots, names and imagery at NCAA championships.

The NCAA restrictions, designed to discourage teams from using nicknames that are considered insensitive, offensive or objectionable by certain segments of the population, were approved in November 2005 and held that, as long as schools kept the Indians nickname, those schools would not be able to play host to NCAA championship events nor could its athletes wear uniforms or equipment bearing that nickname.

The new nickname was endorsed by the IUP Council of Trustees upon the recommendation of school president Dr. Tony Atwater. That council's Sept. 15 resolution gave the school the power to secure a new nickname in a manner that is "inclusive, expedient, prudent and reflective of the values and culture of IUP."

The name Crimson Hawks was picked from about 170 suggestions since the resolution. All the suggested nicknames were reviewed, but the three finalists were Crimson Hawks, Crimson Thunder and Gray Wolves. Alumni, students, faculty, staff and the general public were allowed to vote on the three finalists.

"It has been clear that IUP's alumni, students, employees and friends have recognized the need for the University to have a logical mascot and graphical representation that fosters pride and honor," said Dr. Robert Davies, vice president for Institutional Advancement and executive director of the foundation for IUP, in a news release.

"Crimson Hawks was the clear choice of those who submitted opinions."

The nickname was derived from the fact that the school's colors are crimson and gray and hawks are native to Indiana County and have been spotted in the Oak Grove.

The IUP Indians nickname was coined by an Indiana Gazette sports writer in the 1930s.