Ten Reasons
to Retire Chief Illiniwek

Diversity is not just a goal - it is a University mandate. An environment characterized by insensitivity or disregard for cultural differences is one inconsistent with creating a diverse, inclusive atmosphere. "[UIUC] is committed to excellence, and its emphasis on diversity is a vital part of that commitment." The University should retire Chief Illiniwek to do so. click for more.

Native Americans face extraordinarily powerful stereotypes - well entrenched images of the Indian of over 100 years ago. Chief Illiniwek perpetuates this outdated stereotype, which "freezes Native peoples in the past." We can find a less controversial and divisive symbol. click for more.

Publicity regarding the Chief extends far beyond Champaign-Urbana. A wide range of organizations, as well as national news and sports columnists, have stated their opposition to the Chief. The University has a well deserved reputation for excellence, but the Chief reflects poorly on UIUC. click for more.

While not intended as such, the Chief is a racist symbol because of the impact he has on Native Americans. More than just an image, symbols such as the Chief help change how we view Native Americans, how they view themselves, and - importantly - whether they feel that they should conform to a stereotype. click for more.

Children exposed to powerful stereotypes may experience and react to "stereotype threat" and suffer from low self-esteem, which has wide ranging implications for school performance and their growth into our society. Don't take our word for it; read these articles from Berkeley psychologists or the National Science Foundation.

Let's be honest. The Chief isn't the real thing. The dance is done for half-time entertainment, not as a realistic reproduction of Native American dance.

While the Chief may be intended to honor, Native Americans have made it clear they are not honored. Rather, the dress and dance are insulting to that very fundamental part of so many of us: our religion. A person's faith does not belong in a halftime show.

The NCAA executive committee is proceeding with a review of the use of Native American imagery in college sports. One member of the NCAA committee which drafted the report on the subject stated "Indian mascots must be of concern to the NCAA ... good intentions to honor American Indians do not always end in good results."

Chief Illiniwek has a continuing negative impact on our campus. Some students avoid enrolling here because of the Chief, and in a letter to the Chronicle of Higher Education, one prospective faculty member made clear that she withdrew her application due to the presence of the Chief. Is this an acceptable price for a University symbol?

Is Chief Illiniwek a good representative of our University? What image does he project out to the world? Now reduced to halftime shows, the Chief is clearly a detriment to, rather than a positive symbol of a great University. When the resolution is again brought before them, we encourage the Board of Trustees to do the right thing and retire the Chief. To do so is in the best interests of the University of Illinois.

Press Release
Thursday Nov. 13
Illinois Chapter - NCRSM

National Coalition on Racism
in Sports and the Media

The National Coalition on Racism in Sports and the Media-Illinois chapter is deeply disappointed that the trustees of the University of Illinois did not vote on the resolution to retire Chief Illiniwek and chose instead to delay discussing the resolution until July 2004. The trustees were presented with a simple and dignified way to re-unify the campus but they were afraid to act. The chairman of the board said in effect, that it is better not to discuss race.

We do not agree with the "head in the sand" approach to racism of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. UIUC is not an ostrich farm-it is a public university. It is unfortunate that, swayed by students singing fight songs, the trustees backed away from a public vote. The Board says it needs more time, but 2003 is already very late for civil rights at a public educational institution. If the president of the university, trustees, and the university administration feel strongly about keeping Chief Illiniwek, we urge them to speak out publicly and take responsibility for their positions, rather than hiding behind student organizations.

Those of us committed to a campus where all groups - including Native Americans - are treated with respect will continue to fight.

NCRSM--Illinois chapter
Co-directors:

Brenda Farnell
Carol Spindel

The resolution to retire the Chief

RESOLUTION

"Whereas, Chief Illiniwek has been a treasured symbol of the Urbana-Champaign campus since the inception of Chief Illiniwek in 1926;

Whereas, many students have performed well and ably in the role of Chief Illiniwek;

Whereas, Chief Illiniwek has been intended as a representation of the indigenous people who gave their name to this State and its Flagship University;

Whereas, Chief Illiniwek has represented the dignity, strength, intelligence, and grace to which Illinois athletic teams have aspired;

Whereas, The native Illinois people, the Peoria, requested by resolution on April 20, 2000, that the University discontinue the Chief Illiniwek tradition;

Whereas, The continuation of the controversy centering on Chief Illiniwek would undermine the very unity of the Illini family that the symbol fostered so well for so long; and

Whereas, The controversy also diverts critical attention and resources away from the core missions of teaching, research, service, and economic development; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That Chief Illiniwek be honorably retired at a time and in a manner to be determined by the Urbana-Champaign campus in consultation with faculty, students, staff, alumni, and other members of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign family, and with concurrence of the Board of Trustees;

Resolved, That the University discontinue its use of the graphic image and likewise discourage others' use of that image; and

Resolved, That at the same time we, the Board of Trustees, declare our full support for the name Fighting Illini for the athletic teams at the Urbana-Champaign campus. This is a part of our heritage. We take pride in the association that the University has through this name with the people of Illinois."

• National Coalition on Racism
  in Sports and the Media
  
• U.I. Board of Trustees