The NCAA ruled last week that Florida State University can keep using its Seminole mascot, decreeing that Chief Osceola is not "hostile and abusive" after all and thus may continue cheerleading in the postseason. The decision has given a boost to some of 17 other schools whose American Indian nicknames the NCAA has barred from play-off games. Central Michigan University (the Chippewas) and the University of Utah (the Utes) are also appealing the ban and, as Florida State did so successfully, are lining up local tribes to attest to their "long-standing relationships."
The University of North Dakota will use a similar...