RetireTheChief logo image A forum for discussion on retiring Chief Illiniwek
Welcome to RetireTheChief February 16, 2004 Vol. 3, No. 2
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 Vote on Chief Illiniwek to be Delayed?
Board of Trustees Considers Postponement

U.I. Board of Trustees
May Delay Vote


The University of Illinois Board of Trustees (BOT) is, at this writing, considering a delay in the vote on the fate of Chief Illiniwek. While originally expected at the March BOT meeting, Board members are considering delaying their vote to allow time to consider issues surrounding the upcoming departure of the President Stukel and Chancellor Nancy Cantor, and to hear the results of a "student referendum" on the Chief issue scheduled for March 16-17, after the March 11 BOT meeting. Among those interviewed by the News-Gazette, one board member thought the BOT should wait for the student referendum results, while another said it might not affect his vote. While the BOT agenda cannot be changed prior to a meeting, the Board can defer action on the Chief to a later time.
 

"Month of Action" Underway


Anti-Chief organizations have announced a "Month of Anti-Chief Action." The latest calendar of activities may be found here. The Month of Action is intended to bring anti-Chief views to the University and Champaign-Urbana communities, and to make clear the reasons (and the organizations) behind these views.

The current anti-Chief events will be listed on this web site in the coming weeks. Check back here, or at the PRC link above, to find out what is happening, and when and where.
 

Student Referendum Planned for March


The Illinois Student Government (ISG) has changed their official position from opposed to the Chief to one ostensibly neutral on the issue, voting 18-1 to do so on Feb. 5. In addition, they have called for the student referendum on the Chief (Mar. 16-17). These changes should be considered in context. First, the legislation to create the student referendum was co-sponsored by the President of Students for Chief Illiniwek. Second, note that just two years ago -- on May 2, 2002 -- the ISG voted 14-5 to pass a resolution calling for the Chief's retirement. In fact, the UI student government considered a resolution opposing the Chief as far back as 1989. While the ISG is now formally neutral on the topic, ISG vice president Felipe Hillard said he could not "wear a pro-Chief pin any longer," noting that "the mascot is not unifying."
 

Isn't it time to retire the Chief? •

Anti-Chief Events: Week of February 23-29


The following are part of the Month of Action.

  • Wednesday, Feb. 25: planning meeting at Illinois Disciples Foundation (7:30 pm).
  • Friday, Feb. 27: A Hip Hop Against the Chief Benefit Show, sponsored by Artists Against Racism, will be held at the Illinois Disciples Foundation (8-11 pm). Featured: DJs Spinnerty, D-Lo, and Limbs, and MCs and spoken word artists Czar Absolute, Amun, Melodic Scribes, Limbs, Agent Mos, ALiteration, and Jonah. (directions)


  Opinion
 

RetireTheChief is disappointed that the Board would consider delaying the vote. Why wait?

  1. This issue has long been a controversial one for the University, reflecting the fact that the Chief is a divisive symbol, and one strongly opposed by Native Americans.

  2. Are the students entitled to express their opinions on the subject? Absolutely. Should the Chief's fate be decided by the students? Certainly not. The presence of the Chief affects the very public image of the University, reflects poorly on the UIUC's diversity goals (presumably in line with those of the North Central Association), and is even the topic of a NCAA-mandated review.

  3. Let's not forget the U.I. senate made clear their opposition to the Chief long ago, a view repeated by a tenured U.I. professor in a recent letter to The Daily Illini (Feb. 9), who said "I sincerely hope we soon free ourselves of this needlessly divisive deterrent."

    The UIUC Senate has just passed a new resolution (on Feb. 16 - news) calling for retirement of the Chief, noting that this issue may hamper the University's efforts to recruit a new president and chancellor.

  4. The Chief debate is becoming uglier with time - as evident from the billboards now up in town. Even Chief supporters oppose them. Where is the honor here? The price for Chief Illiniwek as a University symbol is too high.

  5. This issue isn't going away and isn't getting any easier for the University. If anything, it is an embarrassment.

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.
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.
  • 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 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.
WELCOME 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 .