Tweet Miniature: Pope Urban II preaching at the Council of Clermont. Sébastien Mamerot, Les passages d'outremer (public domain). The Indiana-based Valparaiso University is scrapping its Crusader mascot, nickname, and logos—because they convey “hate” and are not “inclusive” enough. According to the university’s Feb. 11, 2021, statement: Interim President Colette Irwin-Knott of Valparaiso University (“Valpo”) announced today that it will retire its existing mascot, the Crusader.… The Crusader imagery related to the Crusades has been embraced and displayed by hate groups including the Ku Klux Klan. “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,” Irwin-Knott said, … [adding] “Valpo is and always has been a faith-based institution, and we want to make sure our symbolism is in alignment with our beliefs and speaks to the core values of the Lutheran ethos.”