FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Results of SDSU Student Vote On Mascot Issue
CONTACT: Renee Hix, (619) 594-5204, rhix@mail.sdsu.edu
SAN DIEGO, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2000 - Preliminary results from the San Diego State University student referendum on the University's mascot issue indicate that students voted 95.1 percent in favor of keeping the Aztecs nickname. Students also approved of keeping the 'Montezuma' mascot and 'Monty' logo by a 86.7 to 13.3 percent margin.
In the special referendum, held Oct. 23-25, 8,050 students voted, which is 26.2 percent of the total student population. In response to the question: "Shall the University President maintain the 'Aztecs' as the University nickname?" 95.1 percent of the students voted "yes," 4.1 percent "no" and 0.8 percent "I don't care." On the second question, "Shall the University President maintain the depictions of the 'Monty Montezuma' mascot and 'Monty' logo?," 86.7 percent of the students voted "yes," 10 percent "no" and 3.3 percent "I don't care."
Next, the University Senate is expected to take action at its next regular meeting on Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. in Hepner Hall room 221. Results of the special referendum, along with input from faculty, staff, alumni and community members will be submitted to President Stephen L. Weber along with a copy of the original AS resolution, approved Sept. 27, which calls for retirement of the Aztecs nickname and Monty Montezuma mascot by the end of the 2000-2001 academic year. Both the resolution and results of the student referendum are non-binding. President
Weber will make the final decision.
For updates on the issue, SDSU has established a special page on the University's official Web site for the public to get updated information and comment on the mascot issue. The page is located at www.sdsu.edu/mascot.
San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the University has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 76 areas, master's degrees in 59 areas and 13 doctorates. Students participate in academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with professors and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.
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