After some soul searching, and a bit of controversy, Ole Miss considers a new mascot

Lucasfilm Addresses Admiral Ackbar's Mascot Prospectshttp://www.usnews.com/blogs/paper-trail/2010/03/01/lucasfilm-addresses-admiral-ackbars-mascot-prospects.htmlAckbar the best choice for new Rebel mascothttp://media.www.reflector-online.com/media/storage/paper938/news/2010/03/02/Opinion/Ackbar.The.Best.Choice.For.New.Rebel.Mascot-3882406.shtmlLetter to the Editor: Introducing Admiral Ackbarhttp://www.thedmonline.com/content/letter-editor-introducing-admiral-ackbarAdmiral Ackbar for Ole Miss Mascothttp://www.notatrap.org/University of Mississippi Library: Digital Collectionshttp://clio.lib.olemiss.edu/archives/College mascots have come under close scrutiny over the past several decades, and a number of institutions have changed their mascots after objections from groups who found the mascots offensive and distasteful. One mascot that has been receiving attention as of late is Colonel Reb, who has served as the University of Mississippi's official mascot for 24 years. Colonel Reb is a distinguished looking gentleman with Van Dyke style facial hair, and to some, he is also an unpleasant reminder of the traditions of the Old South. Since the student body voted to replace him on February 23, one leading candidate has emerged to replace him: Admiral Ackbar. Ackbar is a character from the film "Empire Strikes Back", and he is perhaps best known for his line "It's a trap". Ackbar bears a more than uncanny resemblance to an upright, humanoid type squid, and some people have commented that his candidacy is part of a new spirit at Ole Miss. An official decision has yet to be made, though it is worth noting that George Lucas, the man behind the "Star Wars" series has indicated that he supports the Admiral's candidacy, having done so in a humorous press release via Lucasfilm, his production company.The first link will take visitors to a news story from this Monday's Atlanta Journal-Constitution about the voting process for a new mascot at Ole Miss.