The Departments of Athletics at the University of Oregon and Oregon State University mutually agreed to no longer refer to rivalry games between the State of Oregon and Oregon as the “Civil War.” This decision is effective immediately and includes all sports competitions in the academic year 2020-21 and in the years to come.
The schools made the decision after mutual discussions, as well as conversations with university officials and input from current and former student-athletes from both schools.
“Today’s announcement is not only correct, but it takes a long time to come, and I want to thank former big duck Dunis Dennis Dixon for raising the question and being the catalyst for change,” said Oregon Director of Athletics. Rob Mullens. “Thank you also to our current student athletes for their leadership and contributions throughout this process. We all must recognize the power of words and symbolism associated with the Civil War. This mutual decision is in the best interest of both schools, and I would like to thank Scott Barnes for his diligence as we work through this process. We look forward to our continued and fierce in-state rivalry with Oregon State in all sports. “
“I want to acknowledge and thank current and former student athletes who expressed concern about the historic name of rivalry games between our two institutions,” said UO President Michael H. Schill. “We need to make this change to align the words and symbols we use in sports endeavors with our shared values of fairness and inclusion on campus. While the name of our annual game may change, it will remain one of the great rivalries in sports university students “.
The series of soccer between the state of Oregon and Oregon continues with the 124th Annual game on Nov. 28 at the Reser Stadium in Corvallis, ranking this rivalry fifth in college football for the most games played in the series. The Oregon-Oregon State series holds the collegiate record for most men’s basketball games played at 354.
