It was with great interest that I read David Hyde’s comments on university nicknames and mascots (“Put offensive mascots in the penalty box,” Oct. 12). When discussing the University of North Dakota’s name (UND does not have a mascot) he writes, “the UND administration stubbornly fights to hold onto the label, insisting that it actually honors the Sioux people.”

Hyde fails to mention the University of North Dakota has more American Indian programs, services and percentage of American Indian students than many if not all NCAA participating colleges and universities.

These programs include an Indian into Medicine program that has graduated 20 percent of the American Indian physicians in the country. But I digress.

The reason for my great interest is Mr. Hyde’s indignation that “universities of Iowa and North Dakota however, are supporting sexist, racist and divisive stereotypes.” I find it amusing that Mr. Hyde’s insulted sensibilities regarding issues at institutions other than his own have resulted in his writing an editorial on this issue.

Northeastern University has its own problems with racial discrimination (“Forum opened to all after discrimination complaints,” Sept. 28). It seems to me that before Mr. Hyde attempts to clean someone else’s house, he should make sure his is clean and without fault.

– Jo McIntosh graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1991.