Crusaders No More: Why Schools Are Changing Their Mascots

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, Evangel University will no longer evoke the Middle East -- or the Middle Ages. Since 1955, the flagship Assemblies of God institution has cheered on its Crusaders, replete with helmeted knight and steed. This semester, the university will soon announce its new mascot after considering almost 300 submitted suggestions -- including 77 animal names, 69 military names, and 38 biblical names. The change was made in light of the school's 55,000 alumni serving internationally.