This undated photo shows the University of New Mexico's official seal, depicting a Spanish conquistador and a frontiersman, that is drawing accusations of racism from Native American students. New Mexico's largest university is considering revising its half-century old seal over concerns by Native American students who say it represents the frontier's violent era. (Marla Brose/Albuquerque Journal via AP (The Associated Press)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico's largest university is considering revising its half-century old seal over concerns by Native American students who say it represents the frontier's violent era.
Unlike other battles to change logos and names of buildings, the dispute over the seal is drawing defense from another minority groups — Hispanics.
Native American student groups want the University of New Mexico to drop the seal that depicts a rifle-toting frontiersman and a sword-carrying Spanish conquistador.
Ralph Arellanes, chair of the Hispano Round Table of New Mexico, said removing the conquistador would be unacceptable since it represents New Mexico's Hispanic heritage. He says he's open to taking the conquistador's sword away and putting him on a horse.
University president Bob Frank says one proposal would add a Native American to the seal.
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