Oregon rivalry sports games no longer referred to as 'Civil War'

The schools made the decision following mutual discussions as well as conversations with university officials and input from current and former student-athletes from both schools. Image courtesy KOIN 6

Posted March 2021

By Garon Jones

Staff Editor


The University of Oregon and Oregon State University Departments of Athletics have both agreed to no longer refer to State rivalry games in Oregon as the "Civil War."

The decision came after much deliberation and mutual discussion among university officials and student-athletes from both schools.

The schools made the decision following mutual discussions as well as conversations with university officials and input from current and former student-athletes from both schools. Both schools decided that the term “civil war,” used to reference the rivalry between both football teams could be seen as an outdated term that connects to the deadliest conflict in American history. Although the term was first used to simply reference football and basketball rivalries in the 1930s.

“Changing this name is overdue as it represents a connection to a war fought to perpetuate slavery,” Oregon State issued in a statement. “While not intended as reference to the actual Civil War, OSU sports competition should not provide any misconstrued reference to this divisive episode in American history.”

The University of Oregon made a statement as well:

"Today's announcement is not only right but is a long time coming, and I wish to thank former Duck great Dennis Dixon for raising the question and being the catalyst for change," said Oregon Director of Athletics Rob Mullens. "We must all recognize the power of words and the symbolism associated with the Civil War. This mutual decision is in the best interests of both schools.... We look forward to our continued and fierce in-state rivalry with Oregon State in all sports."

Photo courtesy U of O