A new logo for Florida State University is creating controversiy around the university and now students and alumni are petitioning to return the logo to its traditional look.
The new logo, which may have been leaked by Walmart, updates the traditional screaming Seminole Indian head, which has been in use since 1971. FSU officials reportedly planned a formal unveiling on April 11 just in time for the spring football game, according to the Tallahasse Democrat.
“Our logo has a long standing tradition and is classic and symbolic to the Seminole Nation, athletics, academia, and the lineage of FSU dating back ages,” the description on the petition page reads. “Lets keep our strong tradition and symbolism intact and not make a folly out of such a respectful symbol. We ask that the University cease and desist the plan to alter the logo to the design that has been released.”
Students and alumni who signed the petition expressed their distaste for the new logo.
“I think that this new logo is hideous and to be honest it hides the beautiful physical features of the native American people–changing them for features associated with other cultures,” one signer wrote.
Others argue that the new logo disrupts tradition.
“Tradition is what keeps us together. It bonds us and though we would still be Seminoles without our traditional logo, it would not be the same. Respect tradition!,” another supporter wrote.
As of April 3, 178 people signed the petition with a total of 5000 needed.
