Eastern New Mexico University thinking about dropping use of Zia name, symbol

PORTALES, N.M. (AP) – Students at Eastern New Mexico University are recommending that the school drop the use of the Zia (ZEE’-ah) sun symbol and name.

The vote this month sends the recommendation to the university president, who will discuss the matter with the Board of Regents at its April 24 meeting.

The Portales-based university has used the “Zias” name for women’s sports teams since 1981. The Zia symbol – a circle with four lines in each cardinal direction – sometimes accompanies a Greyhound.

University officials say the proposal to stick with the Greyhound only comes as it considers a new licensing agreement, and the cultural and religious significance of the Zia sun symbol to Zia Pueblo.

If the university stops using the Zia symbol, both the women’s and men’s teams will be called “Greyhounds.”