Recent news spilled that The University of New Mexico's seal was dubbed racist. Simply put, some concerned students seemingly saw the need for changing such, with a protest from the Native Americans wanting to be heard thereof. As simple as the concern may be to some, those that see the symbolism unfitting are quite hasty for action.
According to Yahoo, the existing official seal of The University of New Mexico shows off two characters, one being a Spanish conquistador and a frontiersman, in which, some concerned Native American students somewhat see as careless racism. The said students in the Kiva Club, along with members of the advocacy group The Red Nation has labelled it offensive. On a more drastic note, the seal is in use for all the diplomas and is still presently seen in the school's events.
As per Fox News, Nick Estes, a UNM doctoral student and Oceti Sakowin tribe member, was rather quick on his designing of another version of the seal in an attempt to protest, having the conquistador and frontiersman stand on top a pile of bones. During an organizing meeting for students that alter the seal, he stated plainly that it depicts racism at the school, and even claimed to be insulted of having the seal in his diploma.
Furthermore, it was noted by Washington Post that University President Bob Frank got the point, and was quoted, "It's a seal I have always known. I certainly understand that people may have different points of view. If they want to talk about it, I am open to the conversation."
Jozi De Leon, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, claimed that with the university's Diversity Council, they are taking measures to work with the concerned students. De Leon delivered that it is a place where such issues should be addressed and that the student's statements are to be further heard. A petition was started to oppose the seal, though no complain was ever filed.
