Valparaiso University retiring Crusader mascot The school said the symbol, which has connections to violence and hate groups, does not represent its core values. Credit: Valparaiso University Valparaiso University is retiring its Crusader mascot due to its connection to hate groups, including the Ku Klux Klan. Author: WTHR.com staff Updated: 12:36 AM EST February 12, 2021 VALPARAISO, Ind. — Valparaiso University is retiring its Crusader mascot due to its connection to violence and hate groups, including the Ku Klux Klan. Interim President Colette Irwin-Knott announced the news in a video Thursday. Irwin-Knott created a task force last semester to study the mascot and its continued use. The task force sent out a survey on the issue and received nearly 8,000 responses. Based upon those responses, the task force recommended retiring the mascot.