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By Maria Morava and Scottie Andrew, CNN
Updated 10:51 AM ET, Fri February 12, 2021
Valparaiso University s former mascot, the Crusader. (CNN)Students who attend Valparaiso University are Crusaders no more.
The Lutheran university, aligning with schools and professional sports teams that have recently nixed racist mascots, has announced it will replace its mascot, the Crusader, because of its usage by hate groups.
The Crusades represent a period in Medieval history when Christians enacted violent expeditions against Muslims and Jews in the Holy Land. The negative connotation and violence associated with the Crusader imagery are not reflective of Valpo s mission and values, which promote a welcoming and inclusive community, the university s interim president, Colette Irwin-Knott said in a news release.