Nebraska alters mascot's hand gesture to avoid ties to white supremacy

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has made a change to its cartoon mascot Herbie Husker to eliminate confusion about the meaning of a hand gesture he makes that some people connect with white supremacy.

In the original depiction of the mascot, which debuted in the early 1970s, Herbie's left hand made the "OK" sign with the index finger and thumb forming a closed circle. In recent years, some hate groups have come to use the gesture as a sign for white power - three straight fingers make a 'W' and the circle formed next to an extended finger make a 'P.'

Herbie's left hand now makes the well-known "We're No. 1" sign with his index finger raised.

"The concern about the hand…