Citing the use of the former name “Crusaders” by hate groups across the country, tiny Valparaiso University has announced a change to the school’s nickname to “Beacons”, with President Jose D. Padilla saying decision made by the private Lutheran school from Indiana “directly connects to the school’s motto, ‘In They Light We See Light’. The original announcement of plans to retire the Crusaders name occurred in February, following input from students, faculty, and alumni.
A specific example of a hate group using “Crusaders” was made with the Ku Klux Klan, who have in recent years started to use words and symbols of the Crusades, involving a series of wars between Christians and Muslims in the 11th century.
Valparaiso University is located in northwest Indiana, approximately 15 miles southeast of Gary. The new nickname, along with mascot related imagery, will be worked into the athletic department gradually over the course of the 2021-2022 school year. Valparaiso boasts an enrollment of 3,100 students.
Photo credit – Valparaiso University
