HAMILTON, N.Y. -- Colgate University is dropping the word "Red" from its Red Raiders nickname, effective immediately.

The change is being made to move away from the racial stereotype, which is not the true origin of the nickname for Colgate but "may be offensive to the general public in ways that undermine the institution's value and commitments."

Colgate's "Red Raiders" nickname was originally coined by Dexter Teed as a reference to the new maroon uniforms the football team began wearing in 1932. In later years, many associations created references to Native American caricatures and mascots.

The school's teams will now be known as the Raiders until new uniforms, equipment and publications are phased in, at which time a new nickname will be chosen.