Robert Morris considering whether to ditch Colonials team name

Robert Morris University officials said they are considering whether to keep the name Colonials after another university recently announced its decision to nix the same moniker.

George Washington University recently announced it is looking to change the name Colonials, which has been used since 1926. Opponents of the name said they felt the term referred to “colonizers who stole land and resources from indigenous groups, killed or exiled Native peoples and introduced slavery into the colonies,” the Associated Press reported.

Robert Morris University, which uses the team name “Colonials” and boasts a Colonial as a mascot, said in a statement it is “aware that other colleges and universities have decided to drop and/or change their nicknames recently in light of negative historical connotations associated with their monikers.”

Related:

• While Robert Morris mulls whether to drop its Colonials moniker, another school already has

“Given the complex nature of these issues, we, as an institution of higher learning, believe it is an appropriate time to carefully consider who we have been, who we are and who we wish to become.”

The Moon university declined to offer details on what kind of process would guide their decisions about the Colonials name and mascot.

“Robert Morris University’s ability to transform and adapt is in large part responsible for our success as an institution over the past century,” the school said. “We take great pride in our students, alumni, faculty and staff, and hope they are proud of their association with RMU.”