The mascot of the University of Nebraska has been changed to eliminate confusion about the meaning of a hand gesture he makes that some people connect with white supremacy.
In the original depiction of the mascot, the left hand made a sign with the index finger and thumb closed. Some hate groups have used the gesture as a sign of white power, with three straight fingers making a W and a circle formed next to an extended finger making a P.
His left hand makes the sign with his index finger.
Nebraska Athletics said in a statement to The Associated Press that the concern about the hand gesture was brought to their attention and they decided to change the logo. The revised logo is the only one that can be used by licensees.
Flatwater Free Press reported the change.
The Hate Symbols Database of the Anti-Defamation League shows the OK hand gesture and explains how it came to be.
A common hand gesture that a 4chan troll campaign claimed was a symbol of white power eventually came to be used by many on the right. Caution must be used in evaluating instances of this symbol.
Scott Strunc, owner of one of the largest Huskers merchandise stores in Omaha, said he didn't notice the change until he was shown it by a reporter.
Strunc had no idea the OK sign had a different meaning. He understands why the university made the change.
Strunc said it was just the world we live in.
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