BISMARCK, N.D. -- The University of North Dakota's president says the school will resume using its Fighting Sioux nickname despite threats from the NCAA.

Robert Kelley's statement came Wednesday after referendum supporters filed petitions demanding that the issue be put to a statewide vote in June.

The NCAA has said the university faces sanctions if it continues using the nickname and a logo that shows the profile of an American Indian warrior.

Kelley says the school will resume using the nickname and logo to reaffirm the school's respect for the referendum process.