http://www.wnem.com/story/27452525/shirt...f-big-game
Shirt stirring controversy ahead of big game
MT. PLEASANT, MI (WNEM) -
Football isn't the only thing people are talking about heading into the big Central-Western weekend.
Shirts that depict a Native American behind bars and say “Caught a Chippewa bout a week ago” are being created in Kalamazoo ahead of the rivalry match-up. On the back are the words “Hot Bronco” with a picture of Western University's mascot.
WNEM TV5 talked to Central Michigan University Assistant Director of Public Relations Heather Smith about the shirts. Smith said the university is aware of them, and call them culturally insensitive.
"Showing a Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe member, or any member of that community in a negative way, is not right, and it doesn't show who we are, it doesn't show who they are and it's just very racist and culturally insensitive, and we're just really outraged by it."
Smith also said they will not allow anyone wearing the shirt into the stadium for Saturday's game.
The university has also reached out to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. The tribe is aware of the shirt, but said it will not allow the shirts to impede on the great relationship.
WWMT spoke to the Western student who created the shirts. He said it was all in good fun and he never meant to offend anyone.
Other students WWMT spoke to said they found the shirt racially insensitive.
The Twitter account that was selling the shirts has been shut down.