The Kansas mascot name has been a topic of much debate and controversy in recent years. The University of Kansas, commonly referred to as KU, has used the nickname "Jayhawks" for its sports teams since the late 19th century. The origin of the Jayhawk nickname dates back to the territorial disputes in Kansas during the 1850s. The term was initially used to describe pro-Union militia members who fought against pro-slavery forces. It later evolved to represent Kansans as a whole, symbolizing their free-state beliefs and determination. However, there have been discussions about whether the Jayhawk is an appropriate mascot name for the university's sports teams.

Mascots

Fraternities Page from the 1925 Jayhawker Featuring a Bulldog.

The Jayhawk was not always KU's lone mascot. KU's first mascot was the Bulldog. For a while, the Jayhawk and the Bulldog were used as the mascot, at the same time. In November of 1958, the Jayhawk became KU's official, and lone, mascot.

Jayhawk Mascot with Bulldog, 1917.

Jayhawk Mascot at KU Football Game in Nebraska, Jayhawker Yearbook, 1922.

Jayhawk Mascot Walking the Sidelines at a Basketball Game, 1957.

Jayhawk Mascot Hanging Out in the Kansas Union Store, 1963/1964.

Jayhawk Mascot and Cheerleader Standing on the Track Around the Football Field, 1953.

Jayhawk Mascot at the Governor's Office, 1970s.

Jayhawk Mascot with a Kansas City Royal Baseball Player Talking with Some Children in the Stands, 1980

Big Jayhawk at the UNC Asheville Basketball Game, 1996.

Centennial Jayhawk (CJ) Cutout Created for the Kansas State Fair, 2012.

Jayhawk Mascot Wearing Yellow Cowboy Boots, 1960s.

Jayhawk Mascot, Wearing a Top Hat, Interactingng with the Marching Band During the Homecoming Football Game, 1966.

Big Jay waving a KU flag at Homecoming, 1999.

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Evolution of Jayhawk

Mascots are believed to bring good luck, especially to athletic teams. Just about every college and university claims a mascot. The University of Kansas is home to the Jayhawk, a mythical bird with a fascinating history.

The origin of the Jayhawk is rooted in the historic struggles of Kansas settlers. The term "Jayhawk" was probably coined around 1848. Accounts of its use appeared from Illinois to Texas and in that year, a party of pioneers crossing what is now Nebraska, called themselves "The Jayhawkers of '49". The name combines two birds--the blue jay, a noisy, quarrelsome thing known to rob other nests, and the sparrow hawk, a quiet, stealthy hunter. The message here: Don't turn your back on this bird.

During the 1850's, the Kansas Territory was filled with such Jayhawks. The area was a battleground between those wanting a state in which slavery would be legal and abolitionists committed to a free state. The opposing factions looted, sacked, rustled cattle, stole horses, and otherwise attacked each other's settlements. For a time, ruffians on both sides were called Jayhawkers. But the name stuck to the 'free staters' when Kansas was admitted as a free state in 1861. Lawrence, where KU would be founded, was a Free State stronghold.

During the Civil War, the Jayhawk's ruffian image gave way to patriotic symbol. Kansas Governor Charles Robinson raised a regiment called the Independent Mounted Kansas Jayhawks. By war's end, Jayhawks were synonymous with the impassioned people who made Kansas a Free State. In 1886, the Jayhawk appeared in a cheer--the famous Rock Chalk Chant. And when KU football players first took the field in 1890, it seemed only natural to call them Jayhawkers.

How do you draw a Jayhawk? For years, that question stumped fans. Henry Maloy, a cartoonist for the student newspaper, drew a memorable version of the Jayhawk in 1912. He gave it shoes. Why? For kicking opponents, of course.

In 1920, a more somber bird, perched on a KU monogram, came into use. In 1923, Jimmy O'Bryon and George Hollingbery designed a duck-like Jayhawk. Around 1929, Forrest O. Calvin drew a grim-faced bird sporting talons that could maim. In 1941, Gene "Yogi" Williams opened the Jayhawk's eyes and beak, giving it a contentious appearance.

It is Harold D. Sandy's 1946 design of a smiling Jayhawk that survives. The design was copyrighted in 1947. In 2005 the Jayhawk was reintroduced with the new KU Trajan font.

Today you'll find several Jayhawks on the Lawrence campus. A piece of birdlike iconography on Dyche Hall, erected in 1901, looks suspiciously like a Jayhawk. In front of Strong Hall perches a large Jayhawk, a statue with sleek, modern lines, gift of the Class of 1956. Another, a striding, feathered bronze bird, greets visitors to the Adams Alumni Center.

The dark side of the Jayhawks' nickname

The Kansas Jayhawk mascot seems friendly enough. He's red and blue and has big eyes and a semi-smile. He wears boots. As mascots go, you could do a lot worse. (I can't look at the Oklahoma State mascot without feeling a chill on the back of my neck. Creepy, that guy!)

Apparently, not everyone finds the Jayhawk mascot or nickname quite so harmless. On Thursday, the Columbia Daily Tribune reported that Osceola, a 950-person town in Missouri, passed a resolution -- presumably at a potluck -- condemning what the town sees as a "celebration of this murderous gang of terrorists by an institution of ‘higher education’ in such a brazen and malicious manner."

Wait . what? The Daily Trib provides a much-needed history lesson:

On Sept. 22, 1861, Osceola was a prosperous city of 2,500. The town lived on Osage River commerce and was split between Unionists and secessionists. U.S. Sen. Jim Lane led his band of about 2,000 “jayhawkers” in the Kansas Brigade to the city for a two-day orgy of looting, arson, drunkenness and murder. A dozen men were executed on the town square. When the attackers left -- taking away all the property and livestock they could move -- the town was a smoking ruin, and fewer than 200 people remained. The town has never again had as many people as it did before the raid.

Kansas doesn't necessarily dispute this portion of the mascot's history, but it asserts the term originated in a variety of ways, not all of them negative. On its "History of the Jayhawk" page, the KU athletics program says the term was originally coined in the late 1840s to describe a "band of pioneers" crossing over from Nebraska. Kansas athletics admits the term was used in the abolitionist conflicts Osceola describes, but notes that it became a patriotic symbol when then-Kansas Governor Charles Robinson raised a regiment called the "Independent Mounted Kansas Jayhawks." "Rock Chalk Jayhawk" appeared soon thereafter, and in 1890 the name was passed along to Kansas's first football team.

Yes, I just spent an entire paragraph summing up the disputed history of the term "Jayhawk." Why? Because I'm a former history minor who loves these kinds of things. I sure didn't spend that time typing because we needed a serious summation of both sides' arguments. I mean, come on. With all due respect to the town of Osceola and what that town's ancestors went through during the most violent and tumultuous time in America's history, this happens to be 2011. There's absolutely nothing offensive about the name "Jayhawk" in 2011. In fact, given the final words of the resolution -- which you can view here -- I'm not sure Osceola is even taking this all that seriously:

IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that citizens of the City of Osceola, Missouri requests the University of Missouri to educate the above-named Defendants on the FULL historical origins of the “Border War.”

IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that no citizen of the City of Osceola or the alumni of the University of Missouri shall ever capitalize the “k” in “kansas” or “kU,” as neither is a proper name or a proper place.

See? I mean, I can empathize with lingering historical anger -- I'm the descendant of Irishmen, after all -- but really, Osceola? I don't mean to downplay your feelings on this vital issue, but come on. Really?

Fortunately, some lasting good did arise from this mess. It comes in the form of an emailed statement the Columbia Tribune received from Kansas news service director Jill Jess, who responded to Osceola's resolution as follows:

“A Jayhawk is a blue bird with a red head and a big yellow beak that wears boots. It would be hard to confuse it with anyone with terrorist intent, though we admit we have been terrorizing the Tigers on the basketball court for some time. Tigers have been known to kill people. Bears, too.”

That might be the single greatest press release/statement in the history of the form. Talk about one for the history books.

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However, there have been discussions about whether the Jayhawk is an appropriate mascot name for the university's sports teams. Critics argue that the Jayhawk has a violent and aggressive connotation, which goes against the values of inclusivity and sportsmanship. Some also believe that the mascot name should reflect the diverse student body and community at KU.

Supporters of the Jayhawk name argue that it is deeply rooted in the history and heritage of Kansas. They believe that it represents resilience and the fight for freedom. Furthermore, the Jayhawk is a unique and recognizable mascot, which adds to the university's identity. In recent years, there have been efforts to further evaluate the use of the Jayhawk mascot name. KU has formed committees to gather feedback and opinions from students, alumni, and community members. These discussions aim to find a balance between honoring the university's history and embracing inclusivity and diversity. As of now, the Jayhawk remains the official mascot name for the University of Kansas. However, the ongoing discussions reflect the university's commitment to addressing concerns and evolving with the changing times. The final decision regarding the mascot name will likely involve various stakeholders and require careful consideration of all perspectives..

Reviews for "The Kansas Mascot Name: A Point of Honor or Disgrace?"

1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Kansas mascot name. It lacks creativity and originality. They could have come up with something that truly represents the spirit of Kansas, but instead they went with a generic name that could be applied to any school. It's a missed opportunity and shows a lack of effort from the school's administration.

2. Sarah - 1 star - I cannot believe they chose such a bland and uninspiring name for the Kansas mascot. It's unmemorable and doesn't evoke any sense of excitement or pride. I expected more from a school with a rich history and vibrant community. This decision only reinforces the notion that they are not invested in creating a strong brand identity for their sports teams.

3. Mike - 3 stars - While the Kansas mascot name is not the worst choice out there, it certainly leaves much to be desired. It lacks the uniqueness and creativity that other schools have managed to achieve with their mascots. It's a forgettable and unimaginative choice that will not leave a lasting impression on fans or opponents.

4. Emily - 2 stars - The Kansas mascot name is simply underwhelming. It does not capture the essence of Kansas or its proud traditions. It feels like a missed opportunity to create a mascot that truly embodies the spirit of the school and its athletic programs. I hope they reconsider and choose a more fitting and exciting name in the future.

5. Alex - 1 star - I can't understand why they settled for such a lackluster name for the Kansas mascot. It's as if they didn't put any thought or effort into the decision. The name should represent the school's values, traditions, and unique identity, but this one fails to do so. It's a disappointment and a disservice to the fans, alumni, and students who deserve a mascot they can rally behind.

The Role of the Kansas Mascot Name in Building School Spirit