lawmakers approve 'Dixie State University'

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House has approved Dixie State College’s bid to become a university and stick with its traditional name despite concerns about racial insensitivity.Lawmakers voted 68-6 to pass the measure, which approves the name Dixie State University.

Utah regents approved the name change last month.

Dixie has been a nickname for the St. George region since the 1800s, when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent pioneers, including former slave owners and drivers, there to grow cotton. That history had prompted some students, professors and state educators to call for a name change.

The bill must be approved by the Senate and signed by the governor to take effect.