This is an exact copy of the document at the U.I. Dialogue web site.

A1.

This memorandum was not mailed to members
of the Board prior to the meeting.                    

BOARD OF TRUSTEES RESOLUTION

Whereas, in October 1990 the Board of Trustees adopted a resolution retaining Chief Illiniwek as the symbol of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s (UIUC) intercollegiate athletic teams; and

Whereas, in the intervening years the Board of Trustees has frequently listened to the views of those opposed to the Board’s policy, including but not limited to the following:

1.  Receipt of public comment on numerous occasions at public Board meetings.

2.   The receipt of voluminous correspondence on the issue over the years.

3.   November 30, 1995 correspondence from the Regional Director of the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights reporting on the closing of the office’s investigation of complaints filed against UIUC relating both to the Chief as a symbol and to the use of the term “Fighting Illini” and finding that the University did not maintain a “hostile environment” and rejecting contentions that University officials had not responded appropriately to those who raised such complaints.

4.  The interview of several trustees in connection with J. Rosenstein’s 1997 public television documentary In Whose Honor? American Indian Mascots and Sports?

5.   Receipt of a faculty resolution dated February 1998 recommending the retirement of the Chief as the symbol of the UIUC athletic teams.

6.   The receipt of correspondence from the University’s Anthropology Department in March 1998 respecting its concerns about the Chief; and

Whereas, by means of the foregoing and related communications, the Board of Trustees has remained keenly aware of the strong emotional sentiments created by this issue; and

Whereas, the Board of Trustees continually sought to further the academic value of open discussion on this and other issues, while at the same time preserving the goal of civility, respect for others, and maintaining a sense of proportionality with regard to many important issues worthy of discussion; and

Whereas, it has come to the Board of Trustees’ attention that the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education recently has received over 100 communications, all opposing the Board’s policy regarding the Chief.

Now Therefore, the Board of Trustees hereby resolves as follows:

1. The Board of Trustees acknowledges the ongoing controversy arising from Chief Illiniwek as the symbol of the UIUC intercollegiate athletic teams and reaffirms its responsibility to establish the University’s symbols.

2. The Board hereby acknowledges and reaffirms its commitment to a civil process of debate in which the views of all constituencies, including alumni, students, faculty, and staff are all considered and respected.

3.  In consideration of the foregoing, the Board reaffirms its direction to the University administration to devise and maintain appropriate strategies so that this issue, as well as others, can continue to be discussed in an open and respectful manner.

4.  The Board resolves to ensure that processes are in place, which are designed to address the differences within the University community regarding the use of the chief as a symbol and its alleged negative impact.