After more than two years of review, Capital University has settled on a new mascot: the Comet.
The university鈥檚 athletic teams have long been known as the Crusaders, but the university board of trustees voted last year to move away from the nickname that some considered offensive.
"In recent years, our nickname has been challenged by students and faculty for its connection to the historic Crusades," board chair Andre Porter and interim president Dave Kaufman last year.
The statement said a study commissioned in 2019 showed much of the university community agreed.
posted on Capital鈥檚 website Thursday said 鈥渢he selection and symbolism of the Comet logo represent many of the values and distinctions of Capital University. As the oldest university in central Ohio, the logo pays homage to the capital city where our campuses reside. 鈥�
鈥淭he two stars represent our Bexley and downtown locations and the double 鈥楥鈥� calls attention to our new identity as the Capital Comet鈥� the statement said. 鈥淎nd like the brilliant comets found in our solar system, the Comet symbol will remind us of the opportunities we have to shine, blaze new trails, discover our potential and move forward in confidence.鈥�
The statement said Capital will soon start introducing Comet-branded apparel, athletic uniforms and campus signage.
Capital's decision comes as more sports teams reconsider their following pressure from fans and businesses. That includes the Cleveland Indians, which will change their name to the Cleveland Guardians starting next season after years of criticism by Native Americans.
