As students, we are proud of the excellent education we receive at Valparaiso University. We fully support VU\'s mission of \"scholarship, freedom, and faith\" and our education is preparing us to \"lead and serve in both church and society.\" This institution is a blessing and a home to us. Out of deep care for the future of VU, we are distressed about the use of the Crusader as our mascot. The Crusader does not accurately represent our university\'s ideals, nor does it unify the VU community. Furthermore, the Crusader does not uplift Valpo\'s reputation, particularly when displayed or referenced in other parts of the world. While we desire to understand our mascot as a crusader for justice or athletic victory, the word \"crusader\"