The University of North Dakota is keeping its Fighting Sioux nickname, ignoring the NCAA’s threats.  

Robert Kelley, the school’s president, made this statement after supporters of a referendum on the issue demanded a statewide vote in June.

The NCAA has told the university that it will face sanctions, like banning postseason sports tournaments, if they keep the controversial nickname and logo, the Associated Press reported.

Kelley said the school will respect the referendum process by keeping the logo and nickname.