Get Over Yourself!

On August 16th, the Collegiate Licensing Company and Florida State University sent a cease-and-desist to Southeast High School stating that the school would no longer be allowed to use Seminole logos or the name. The school has used these images and name throughout their history over 51 years. The school's mascot has been a long standing tradition for the local community and these changes could be very costly. They have had a long relationship with the university and now all of sudden there is a problem with the use.

Not long ago FSU was in a battle with the NCAA about the use of the Seminole name as the mascot. But because of the Seminole tribe's support they were able to keep the name and imagery. Now they are casting the same stone at another school, but for different reasons. They are trying to protect the intellectual property and don't want another school to profit off of their name and logos. The school uses the same nickname and mascot, however, the school colors are different (orange and blue). The Seminole head used is not the exact one FSU uses, there is a slight difference in the look and colors. However, the school uses it all throughout the school on letterheads, apparel and it is painted on the walls.

The high school is fighting this letter and they have traveled up to Tallahassee to try and work out some kind of agreement to keep their long-standing tradition. As of August 28th, they seem to have come to an approval for the school to be allowed to keep the use of it. They will probably be under strict guidelines for how they use the name and logos. This is good news for the school, but I have to think that this leaves a bad taste in the mouth of the school and community.

I say to all this mascot stuff is to get over yourself FSU licensing department and CLC. If anyone has the right to complain about the use is the Seminole Indian tribe. FSU dodged a big NCAA request to stop the use the name and imagery a few years ago and now they want to do the same thing to another school because they have profited off the name and logos. I am an FSU alumni and hate to see that they are being so greedy in the use of everything. I believe that this is an issue, for the use of the name and logos in making sure it is all used properly, however it did not have to be done in such a public way. They need to try and figure out a way to save face now because the community seems to be upset with the university and with just cause.