The university administration has formally confirmed that the Crusaders identity will remain. This outcome reflects the commitment of our community to preserving the values and history we hold dear. I appreciate the time each of you contributed to this effort.
May 28, 2016
Final supporters
In recent months, a small group on the Clarke University campus has been discussing and vying to remove "Crusaders" from the institutions identity. The argument for change is: "the designation of "crusaders" points to a painful and brutal chapter in the history of religious conflict [the crusades occurred between 1095-1291AD] and intolerance."
While the Catholic Church does have this dark stain in its history, the
name
Crusader, as it is understood by many is a term that represents
positivity and
bravery. Defined, a crusader is also "a person who campaigns vigorously
for political, social, or religious change; a campaigner". Common
synonyms for crusader include: campaigner, fighter, champion, and advocate.
In essence, a
Crusader is aligned with the BVM Core Values.
The removal of the name Crusader (the identity of the institution), that so
many students, faculty, staff and alumni resonate with, would be a serious
abandonment of what and who has made Clarke so great.
The undersigned request that Cabinet continue using the name
"Crusaders" both on campus and in athletics. If you choose to remain anonymous, please add your graduation year to the comments. Thank you.
Updates
March 14, 2016
The petition has now reached two hundred and fifty signatures. It is encouraging to see such a clear demonstration of loyalty to the identity and history of Clarke University.
Reached 250 supporters
March 13, 2016
Reached 100 supporters
March 12, 2016
83 Comments
As an 2010 alum of Clarke, I am proud of my school & my time at Clarke. Being a Crusader is not to be hateful or wish to harm others, it's simply a name we've shared & we need to stay the Crusaders.
There is a difference between being a Crusader and The Crusades. We need to stop living in the past but learn from it and transcend from the mentality of that era.
I'm proud to call my self a crusader this has always been a Catholic term for me and bringing the catholic faith to battle without a negative connotation.
The university launched its current athletic graphic identity just nine years ago that included extensive consideration regarding the crusader name. At that time it was decided that the name should remain as is. While I understand and appreciate that the university is constantly evolving, I wonder why this specific topic is up for discussion after just nine years? I would challenge those who are pushing for this change to review the documentation from nine years ago to fully understand why students, faculty, staff and alumni sought to keep the crusaders as their athletic identity.
Being a crusader is being apart of the tradition of Clarke university. If we changed something everytime a couple people feel offended we wouldn't have any traditions. We don't look at the negative aspect of the historical side. We are proud of what and who we are as the Clarke Community.
I do not support the new name.
This isn't fair , the team name is crusaders we fight for what we believe in , that's goes for basketball and faith , these students trying to get this removed are being ultra sensitive and liberal on this idea
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The university administration has formally confirmed that the Crusaders identity will remain. This outcome reflects the commitment of our community to preserving the values and history we hold dear. I appreciate the time each of you contributed to this effort.
May 28, 2016
Final supporters
In recent months, a small group on the Clarke University campus has been discussing and vying to remove "Crusaders" from the institutions identity. The argument for change is: "the designation of "crusaders" points to a painful and brutal chapter in the history of religious conflict [the crusades occurred between 1095-1291AD] and intolerance."
While the Catholic Church does have this dark stain in its history, the
name
Crusader, as it is understood by many is a term that represents
positivity and
bravery. Defined, a crusader is also "a person who campaigns vigorously
for political, social, or religious change; a campaigner". Common
synonyms for crusader include: campaigner, fighter, champion, and advocate.
In essence, a
Crusader is aligned with the BVM Core Values.
The removal of the name Crusader (the identity of the institution), that so
many students, faculty, staff and alumni resonate with, would be a serious
abandonment of what and who has made Clarke so great.
The undersigned request that Cabinet continue using the name
"Crusaders" both on campus and in athletics. If you choose to remain anonymous, please add your graduation year to the comments. Thank you.
Updates
March 14, 2016
The petition has now reached two hundred and fifty signatures. It is encouraging to see such a clear demonstration of loyalty to the identity and history of Clarke University.
Reached 250 supporters
March 13, 2016
Reached 100 supporters
March 12, 2016
83 Comments
If we can't afford to fund a turf field for soccer, like I was told we would have by fall 15, then how can we afford to do this? If this level of change continues at the university with all the new sports programs coming in and then a new name, many alumni will become distant and lose affiliation with Clarke. Keep the name!
As an 2010 alum of Clarke, I am proud of my school & my time at Clarke. Being a Crusader is not to be hateful or wish to harm others, it's simply a name we've shared & we need to stay the Crusaders.
There is a difference between being a Crusader and The Crusades. We need to stop living in the past but learn from it and transcend from the mentality of that era.
I'm proud to call my self a crusader this has always been a Catholic term for me and bringing the catholic faith to battle without a negative connotation.
The university launched its current athletic graphic identity just nine years ago that included extensive consideration regarding the crusader name. At that time it was decided that the name should remain as is. While I understand and appreciate that the university is constantly evolving, I wonder why this specific topic is up for discussion after just nine years? I would challenge those who are pushing for this change to review the documentation from nine years ago to fully understand why students, faculty, staff and alumni sought to keep the crusaders as their athletic identity.
Being a crusader is being apart of the tradition of Clarke university. If we changed something everytime a couple people feel offended we wouldn't have any traditions. We don't look at the negative aspect of the historical side. We are proud of what and who we are as the Clarke Community.
I do not support the new name.
This isn't fair , the team name is crusaders we fight for what we believe in , that's goes for basketball and faith , these students trying to get this removed are being ultra sensitive and liberal on this idea
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If we can't afford to fund a turf field for soccer, like I was told we would have by fall 15, then how can we afford to do this? If this level of change continues at the university with all the new sports programs coming in and then a new name, many alumni will become distant and lose affiliation with Clarke. Keep the name!