Transition to a Better Understanding & Relationship
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, FSU’s campus became a learning ground regarding the Florida Seminoles. This was due in large part to a move by key people and students to educate and create more awareness about the authentic culture of Florida Seminoles. Key educators on campus included Joyotpaul "Joy" Chaudhuri, a Native American expert and FSU professor of political science, and his wife, Jean, a Native American activist, who came to the university during this period. They helped establish a fellowship at FSU that led the campus and community toward a better understanding of Native Americans in general, as well as the Florida Seminoles. This fellowship played a role in mediating discussions between the university and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. These discussions addressed concerns from both sides that were resolved with mutual satisfaction. As a result of these discussions, FSU retired certain images that were offensive to the Tribe and began consulting with the Tribe regularly on all related matters.
By the late 1970s, FSU's campus, like the rest of country, had become more educated about Native Americans in general, and especially the Florida Seminoles. Along with this new understanding came major changes in the university's mascots. It became very important to portray the university's namesake with dignity and honor, and to do it with the graces of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. This attitude culminated in a mutual respect between the two institutions, and further tied their futures to one another.
In 1978, FSU embarked upon a new tradition — one that had the full endorsement of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. A Seminole warrior riding a horse, to be known as Osceola and Renegade, was introduced at FSU home football games and soon became one of the most enduring and beloved symbols of the university.
In the early 1990s, activists began to show up at FSU football games to protest the use of the Seminole name. Throughout these debates, the Seminole Tribe of Florida remained supportive of FSU and its use of the Seminole name and images, and FSU continues to work diligently to ensure the dignity and propriety of these symbols.