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U.I. Dialogue narratives |
RetireTheChief
The following is the transcript of a Foellinger balcony narrative from April 14, 2000. It is an unedited excerpt from the original Chief dialogue document.
MS. JACQUELINE FRENCH: Jacqueline French. My parents names are Jim and Gwen French, they are both alumni from the University, class of 1969, as is my older sister Stephanie French Raquel, who is now married to the former Chief Illiniwek, Steve Raquel. On behalf of my family, we are very much in favor of supporting our mascot, Chief Illiniwek.Growing up, I knew from my parents that the Chief was an honored symbol and they were at the football game present when the first eagle feather headdress was given. So as a current University student, I am a senior graduating this May, I look forward to being an alum who is proud of my University and proud of my mascot.
And some of the arguments which I have just heard puzzled me because I don't want anyone to feel disrespected or having to hide their identity or feel that Chief Illiniwek is anything out to hurt an individual, rather growing up for me, I learned that the Chief was something that was a part of Illinois, part of the midwest, part of American history and I am thankful for what this University has taught me, both before I came to school here and with education that I have received.
And I hope that the Board is able to take into consideration how many youth of this state have been affected by the Chief, not only just Native American youth.
See the U.I. Dialogue on Chief Illiniwek page for more transcripts and information.