FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SDSU Mascot Issue Student Vote Oct. 23-25
CONTACT: Jack Beresford, (619) 594-5204
SAN DIEGO, Monday, Oct. 23, 2000 - This week, on Oct. 23-25, the SDSU Associated Student Council will conduct a special referendum student vote, which will allow students to choose on whether to keep the "Aztecs" as San Diego State University's nickname.
The ballot will have two questions, with the voting options of 1) yes, 2) no and 3) don't care, "Shall the University President maintain the 'Aztecs' as the university nickname?" and "Shall the University President maintain the depictions of the 'Monty Montezuma' mascot and 'Monty' logo?"
The voting polls will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., although, each polling site will have its own hours, Monday through Wednesday at various locations including Aztec Recreation Center, Aztec Center, Business Administration building, Engineering building, West Commons and Love Library.
Students interested in voting on the mascot issue will be expected to show their student identification at the polling site. Also, the Associated students voting rules state that there can be no campaigning or media within 100 feet of the polling site and there is to be no campaigning in the library. The results of the student referendum are expected to be released late Wednesday.
"We support the opportunity for students to express their opinions on this issue," said James R. Kitchen, SDSU Vice President for Student Affairs. "It is important that we consider the student's views were making decisions that will ultimately affect them."
The next step is the University Senate vote on the issue at its next regular meeting on Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. in Hepner Hall room 221. Feedback from SDSU students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members will be submitted to President 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.
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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