Perhaps you’ve heard about the NCAA’s idiotic postseason ban on American Indian mascots, logos and nicknames.

Thank goodness some schools are fighting back:

With university presidents threatening lawsuits, complaining about the rationale and openly questioning the Aug. 5 decision to ban Indian mascots, logos and nicknames from postseason tournaments, the NCAA has responded with unusual speed in making alterations.

Three schools have won appeals to be removed from the original list of 18 offenders, and more are expected. But that hasn’t stopped the torrent of criticism.

“I think anything can be taken to the extreme,” Central Michigan president Michael Rao said. “What I think still needs to happen, more than words, is that we need to focus on how people are treated. What’s in a name? Not as much as behavior.”

From student dorms to administration offices, the NCAA’s unprecedented move has touched off a wave of emotions from coast to coast.

Florida State hired a high-powered attorney and threatened legal action to retain its Seminoles nickname. The University of North Dakota, home of the Fighting Sioux, suggested the NCAA breached its contract to host a national hockey tournament. Central Michigan criticized the NCAA for ignoring a long-standing agreement between the school and a local tribe permitting the use of Chippewas as its nickname.

Radio talk shows have been inundated with callers chastising the governing body for going too far in the name of political correctness.

It’s good to see that many people still have some common sense when it comes to issues like this. I remember about ten years ago reading things in, say, Sports Illustrated for Kids that complained about the Cleveland Indians’ “derogatory” logo, or the Atlanta Braves’ tomahawk-like gesture that fans do during parts of the game (I’m sure it has a name, but I can’t think of it off the top of my head). Ten years later, now even just using Indian names is completely taboo?

There are two things that don’t make sense here.

First of all, using American Indian logos, nicknames, and mascots is simply not derogatory. If anything, it’s a show of respect. There is, after all, a reason why there are football teams named the “New England Patriots” and the “Dallas Cowboys” but not the “New England Nazis,” etc.

Secondly, I suppose a person could legitimately argue that the Indians’ logo is racist or derogatory, but you have to keep in mind that it is a caricature. Just like Notre Dame’s logo is a caricature, or my own Minnesota Viking’s logo is a caricature. In fact, Notre Dame’s logo and “Fighting Irish” nickname is much more derogatory than anything done today using Indians. And have you seen the Vikings’ mascot lately?? Funny how you don’t hear complaints about these things!

The Washington Redskins football team has also faced pressure due to its apparently offensive logo .