UO, OSU drop ‘Civil War’ label for rivalry games
(Update: Adding OSU president, athletic director comments)
To 'align with ... shared campus values of equity, inclusivity'
EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The University of Oregon and Oregon State University Departments of Athletics announced Friday they have mutually agreed to no longer refer to Oregon-Oregon State rivalry games as the "Civil War."
This decision is effective immediately and includes all athletic competitions in the 2020-21 academic year and in the years ahead, according to the joint statement, which continues below:
The schools made the decision following mutual discussions as well as conversations with university officials and input from current and former student-athletes from both schools.
"Today's announcement is not only right but is a long time coming, and I wish to thank former Duck great Dennis Dixon for raising the question and being the catalyst for change," said Oregon Director of Athletics Rob Mullens.
"Thanks also to our current student-athletes for their leadership and input during this process. We must all recognize the power of words and the symbolism associated with the Civil War. This mutual decision is in the best interests of both schools, and I would like to thank Scott Barnes for his diligence as we worked through this process. We look forward to our continued and fierce in-state rivalry with Oregon State in all sports."
"I want to acknowledge and thank the current and former student-athletes who raised concerns about the historic name of the rivalry games played between our two institutions," UO President Michael H. Schill said. "We need to make this change to align the words and symbols we use around athletic endeavors with our shared campus values of equity and inclusivity. While the name of our annual game might change, it will absolutely continue to be one of the great rivalries in college sports."
The football series between Oregon State and Oregon continues with the 124th annual game on Nov. 28 at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, ranking this rivalry fifth in college football for the most games played in the series. The Oregon-Oregon State series holds the collegiate record for the most men's basketball games played with 354.
Oregon State President Ed Ray said the Civil War name “represents a connection to a war fought to perpetuate slavery.”
“While not intended as reference to the actual Civil War, OSU sports competition should not provide any misconstrued reference to this divisive episode in American history,” Ray said in a statement. “That we did not act before to change the name was a mistake. We do so now, along with other important actions to advance equal opportunity and justice for all and in recognition that Black Lives Matter.”
Oregon State Athletic Director Scott Barnes said the schools would collectively reach out to athletes and alumni, as well as the university communities, to consider a new name for the rivalry.
