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UNLV Student Newspaper Says Its Own Name Is Racist

unlvrebels.com

The student newspaper for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas says it will change its name by next spring amid claims that the school's "Rebel" moniker is racist since it refers to Confederate soldiers.

Some have called for the school's Hey Reb mascot to be changed as well. Ranier Spencer is UNLV's chief diversity officer. He recently told our partner KNPR that he has discussed the issue with a wide array of student groups on campus.

"I conducted a listening exercise with selected groups on campus, and in those exercises, although there was some negativity to both the nickname and mascot, I would say that in terms the nickname for sure, that was near unanimous support," Spencer explained.

In an editorial this week, the Rebel Yell staff says the paper's name advocates institutionalized racism. Specifically, it refers to a Confederate battle cry during the Civil War. 

 
 

Michelle Billman is a former news director at KUNR Public Radio.
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