The following transcript is from the 4/14/00 Chief Illiniwek dialogue "intake session". It is an unedited excerpt from the original U.I. document.

The question that I wish to raise to you today is who are we to judge, who am I or you to decide what is or isn't offensive to a tribe of Native Americans. We have a symbol of a Native American representing the University of Illinois. More importantly, we have a man dressed in a uniform, dancing around, hopping and prancing around while thousands around chant "Chief" to represent Native Americans.

I have heard people say over and over again that Chief Illiniwek is a symbol of pride. The University of Illinois and the United States have nothing to be proud of regarding the treatment and respect towards Native Americans in the past. Since Europeans invaded North America and pushed Native Americans off their land, the Native American population has dropped from twelve million to two million.

I am sure all of you adults are aware that textbooks and movies were the only experience with Indians that most adults grew up with. All they knew about Indians is that they were bad guys and scalped the poor white man.

In reality, they were abused, mistreated and killed by the white men and delegated to live on reservations. I also heard that Chief Illiniwek is an honor to the Illini tribe and that it maintains the memory and good name of the tribe. However, if so many Native Americans seem to be offended and enraged by it, how much honor can there really be?

People have told me it's not harming anyone, so why change the symbol of the Chief. I say it is harming people. It is harming the understanding and appreciation that the people of this nation have toward Native Americans. Cultural education is a top priority. Teachers in elementary schools in Chicago asked their students what they know about American Indians, and the students giggle and dance around the room chanting "Chief."

The implication of having a Native American as a symbol of this public university is far reaching and must be considered. We are responsible for those implications. So what can be done? Some history classes about Native Americans would be a start at the University of Illinois. We need to ask for the forgiveness and advice of the remaining Native Americans in this country. Then, we need to follow this advice.

I am Jewish and if the New York Yankees suddenly decide to change their team name to the New York Rabbis who danced the horah to the song Havah Negilah, I would be offended. And if Jews collectively would speak up and say they too were offended, the mascot and the symbol would be changed. So why don't we give Native Americans the same respect. I think it's about time that we did.

The choice is simple. The University can upset people, upset people by retiring the Chief. Or they can offend Native Americans with the symbol. With all of my heart I say to you it is time to remove the Chief as a symbol of this great University. Thank you.

See the U.I. Dialogue on Chief Illiniwek page for more transcripts and information.