The fate of the new University logo remains uncertain after two law school professors proposed a resolution requesting the University continue to use the traditional University seal on official letterheads and business cards.
Margaret Hallock and Maurice Holland proposed the resolution during the University Senate meeting Wednesday. Both professors said the stationery used for business and academic purposes should use the traditional University seal instead of the Nike “O” and said other law school faculty members share their opinion.
“The feelings among law school faculty members are extremely strong about the prospect that the letterhead and business cards would cease to have the University seal,” Holland said.
Holland said law school faculty members felt so strongly about the logo issue they even considered suggesting a resolution to prohibit the University from adopting the Nike “O” completely. He also said continued use of the original seal on business and academic documents would be in the best interest of preserving the tradition of the University.
University President Dave Frohnmayer responded to the proposed resolution and said the decision surrounding the future University logo has yet to be concluded. He said the process of deciding on a new logo has been a successful consultative effort among members of the University community.
Frohnmayer asked University Senate members not to consider the resolution because it would disrupt the consultative process by adding political legislation.
“I ask you to consider the issue but not to pass the resolution,” Frohnmayer said. “This has been a matter with the most extensive consultation that has occurred on this campus.”
If the Nike “O” becomes the official University logo, many are concerned about whether faculty and staff members will have a choice to use either the “O” or the traditional seal. Frohnmayer contended faculty members’ opinions have been heard and are always taken into consideration.
“Voices have been heard loud and clear that faculty should have the choice to use the seal,” Frohnmayer said.
Eric Bailey, a student representative on the University senate, agreed with President Frohnmayer but said there should have been more student views heard about the issue.
“There could have been more input sought from students,” Bailey said. “I think there should have been a presentation before the Student Senate.”
The University Senate will continue discussion about the resolution next month.