Mythical Sea Wolf Is In, Cossack Out as Mascot
Sonoma State University on Thursday introduced its new mascot--the sea wolf.
The mythical creature, with a connection to novelist Jack London, replaces the Cossack, which school officials deemed inappropriate. Cossacks have been viewed in history as either anti-Semitic barbarians or courageous Russian cavalrymen who defended the border against such invaders as Napoleon.
The debate over whether to change the mascot has been going on since the 1970s.
The mascot selection committee included students, alumni and athletes. The runner-up to the sea wolf was the condor.
University President Ruben Arminana said the new mascot was appropriate for the university.
The university houses much of London’s original work and is just miles from his former home in Glen Ellen, Calif.
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