LV casino owner challenged by Million Man March director

Monday, April 23, 2001 | 11:10 a.m.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- The national director of the Million Man March says it's important to stand up and challenge traditions that no longer reflect society's values.

Benjamin Muhammad, formerly known as Ben Chavis, also challenged Ralph Engelstad, a University of North Dakota graduate and major donor to the school's new $85 million hockey arena, to join a discussion on the school's controversial Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.

Muhammad spoke in Grand Forks Thursday on the nickname issue and institutional racism. He invited Engelstad to join a "Summit For Reform" where the two men could have a discussion of the nickname.

Engelstad, a former UND goalie, owns the Imperial Palace hotel-casinos in Las Vegas and Mississippi. He has declined comment on the nickname issue.

But in December, he sent a letter to university President Charles Kupchella saying he was prepared to withhold financial support for the arena if university system officials voted to change the school's nickname.

Opponents of the nickname say it demeans the people supporters claim to honor. And they contend it undermines the university's efforts to offer American Indian education programs.