Dear Editor,As a former SGA President (1969-1970) and active University supporter, I have followed the mascot issue with interest. I personally have mixed feelings about Dr. Hulbert’s decision to eliminate the old mascot, but I certainly understand his rationale and do not criticize it.

Regarding the mascot search, I do question whether a “caricature” mascot, which is apparently being considered, is appropriate. If Nicholls State’s nickname is to remain “Colonels,” then I don’t think that any such colonel mascot can be selected that won’t be objectionable to some, whether it be a blue-clad cavalry colonel charging on a horse (in search of native Americans to slaughter), a modern day Army colonel commanding a battalion of tanks or foot soldiers (evoking unhappy memories of past and present wars), Colonel Klink of TV’s “Hogan’s Heroes”/Stalag 17 fame or Colonel Sanders of the KFC chain (the latter two for obvious reasons). Besides, any colonel other that the old version simply, in my opinion, wouldn’t work unless we also change the school colors.

So, if Nicholls State is to remain “Colonels,” then perhaps no official mascot, at least not of the caricature variety, would be the best option. If a “mascot” is deemed necessary, then perhaps a dog or horse which makes an appearance at athletic events, not a person dressed in a costume, would be best. However, that doesn’t mean that this animal would need to be displayed as a logo on University-printed material. For that purpose, the present “N’ with a sword running through it is just fine and is in keeping with the University’s nickname and colors.

No mascot would be better than an inappropriate one. Let us not take one step forward and two back.

Leslie J. Clement, Jr.

Class of 1970

Editor’s Note: This letter was submitted before the committee’s decision to cancel this semester’s competition.