Cappy the mascot canceled for 'connection to the historic Crusades'

Capital University announced in a statement by the Chair of the Board of Trustees Andre Porter and Interim President Dave Kaufman that the university will change its mascot, Cappy the Crusader, after the Board of Trustees passed a resolution in favor of doing so.

The Board of Trustees completed “a 15-month process of study, discussion, and reflection.” Their studies showed that “a significant portion of the Capital Family” agreed that the “nickname and mascot should be a unifying symbol that enhances school spirit and pride for all who are affiliated with Capital.”

The university community recently “challenged” the nickname because of “its connection to the historic Crusades.”

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Given Capital’s “rich traditions” and “great pride and fond memories associated with Crusaders and Cappy,” the university notes that “this was not an easy decision for the Board of Trustees.” Despite this history, however, the board determined that changing the mascot will be “a positive step forward” as the university looks to promote “diversity, inclusion, equity and human dignity.”

“We will honor the positive intention of this name by focusing on striving for justice and good in all that we do,” the statement reads.

Capital University will not fully disassociate from “the Crusader name or brand from existing materials until it has been officially retired and our new mascot has been adopted and is ready to take its place.” Once the coronavirus challenges have passed, Capital will begin a “timely exploration” with input from students, alumni, and staff to find a new nickname and mascot.

Capital University did not respond to Campus Reform in time for comment.

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