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.

So I am here to add my voice to the force of people who are for the retirement of Chief Illiniwek.

I suppose I can't be as eloquent as all the other supporters have been on the reasons why, but I can tell you the one reason that is most compelling and I believe that it is so, a symbol that is chosen for the University should be one that is unifying to everyone and that is inclusive to all and that brings school spirit and love for the University which we attend.

But this mascot does the opposite. When I see this and many other people see this, we don't feel this love for the University that we all do have. I personally feel a conspicuous feeling of being a minority and I am ashamed of my history and the University's history and America's history when I see this. And it angers me that we cannot move past this.

I have been very involved in the University with regard to activities. I am a student ambassador, I am on the honor campus committee which is promoting the multi-culturism and understanding of repressed groups and I am also a member of the Illini Union Board.

I don't speak for the Illini Union Board, I speak for myself. But I can relate to you sort of an incident I suppose that happened. Last year when I was on the Board I was area coordinator for facts and figures and one of our duties was to supervise the Block I which is the cheering section at the football games. And I loved doing this. I think football games are wonderful, I have incredible school spirit, I used to be in the band in high school.

But I always dreaded the half-time shows. While everyone else was cheering along with the Chief and clapping and doing everything else, I just stood in silence and not moving. I just couldn't support such a thing that seemed to be humiliating and so offensive. And I just don't want the dichotomy to exist. And I want all students to feel like they are part of this campus community. That is one of the goals of the Illini Union Board is to create a community that is inclusive and celebrates our diversity.

So I suppose in conclusion, I just want you to think of the campus and the students as a whole and what this does to the students. Of course getting rid of the Chief does not get rid of racism. But it's important for it to be able to come about. I think it's very paramount if we are to actively say that we care about all students on the University campus. So thank you very much.

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