The University of North Dakota's president said Wednesday the school will resume using its Fighting Sioux nickname despite threats from the NCAA.

A state law had required the university to use its longtime nickname, which has brought complaints that it is offensive to American Indians. The law was repealed last year, but supporters of the name filed petitions Tuesday demanding that the issue be put to a statewide vote.

University President Robert Kelley said the referendum process requires that the pro-nickname law remain in effect while the secretary of state reviews the petition signatures.

The NCAA has told the school that continued use of the nickname and the logo would expose the school to sanctions, including a ban from hosting post-season tournaments.

Kelley said the men's and women's hockey teams and the women's basketball team have a chance for postseason play in the coming months and that it's not clear how they will be affected.

The dispute began in 2006 when the NCAA asked 19 schools with American Indian nicknames, logos and mascots to change them. North Dakota is the only school left where the issue is in serious dispute.