Protest at Trustee's Meeting
By Editor, RetireTheChief
Native Americans came out in the freezing cold to protest against
the Chief early Thursday morning, January 15. Their message - that
they are not honored by Chief Illiniwek - was
directed to the U.I. Board of Trustees, who were meeting in
the Chicago Illini Union.
The meeting was organized by Leonard Malatare and Christine Redcloud of the
Native Educational Services College (NAES) in Chicago,
and by the
American Indian Center of Chicago.
Pictures and video from the Chicago protest and
public comment session
may be found here.
Click on any picture for an enlarged view.
Isn't it time to retire the Chief? •
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"I'm concerned about issues of education and respect.
By keeping Chief Illiniwek, they are excluding a whole group of people
who live in Illinois. We would like to work more closely with UIUC.
This collaboration would be good for our youth and for all the future
leaders of Illinois. But collaboration has to be based on mutual respect."
- Joe Podlasek, director of the
American Indian Center of Chicago
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Are you a Native American unhappy with the Chief?
We'd like to help others see & hear what you have to say.
If you are interested in being quoted, recorded or videotaped -
your choice - please
contact us.
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Ten Reasons
to Retire The Chief
- 1. Diversity. We do want a diverse,
inclusive atmosphere welcoming of all cultures.
- 2. Stereotypes. The Chief perpetuates
harmful, insulting stereotypes of Native people in
a big way.
- 3. Publicity. The presence of the Chief has
brought national disapproval to a fine University.
- 4. Racism. Though not intended as such,
the Chief is a racist symbol. Ask a Native American.
- 5. Children. Powerful stereotypes are particularly
harmful to children - their self esteem and school performance.
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- 6. Accuracy. Let's be honest - the Chief isn't
the real thing. The dance is part of half-time entertainment.
- 7. Honor. Native Americans are not honored. Quite
the contrary, they have made it
clear they are quite offended.
- 8. NCAA. In case you missed it, the NCAA has made
it quite clear they are unhappy
with American Indian mascots.
- 9. Choices. Potential faculty and students have chosen
not to teach or attend, the University because of the Chief.
- 10. Image. Call the Chief a symbol or a mascot - he
is a public figure that harms the University's image.
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WELCOME
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This site exists to give a voice to those who believe Chief Illiniwek should
be retired, to promote discussion between those who are pro- and anti-Chief, and to
encourage a change in policy - to retire the Chief. We want to turn up the volume
on the Chief debate. Regardless of your stand on this divisive issue,
welcome
.
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