Today: Diversity, the University, and ... the Chief

by Brian Jewett, RetireTheChief.org, March 2003

Diversity is in the News

At the University of Illinois:

"the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is committed to excellence, and its emphasis on diversity is a vital part of that commitment."

"As a University, we are committed to providing our faculty, staff, and students with a working and learning environment that ... must be safe and inclusive and must not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment ..."

"For the University to ensure its tradition of academic excellence it must continue to attract and retain the very best students, faculty and staff - and the best individuals are as diverse as the world in which we live."

In U.S. government:

"The Federal Government strives to be a model employer by building and maintaining a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the Nation. Diversity has evolved from sound public policy to a strategic business imperative. It is an issue that requires more attention and support within the Federal workplace ..."

"America's diversity has given this country its unique strength, resilience, and richness."

"An effective diversity strategy has a positive effect on cost reduction, resource acquisition, creativity, problem solving, and organizational flexibility."

At Pennsylvania State University:

"We must continue to foster a humane University community in which everyone feels welcome, by eliminating disrespect and harrassment."

All Talk, No Action?

Not necessarily. Many organizations, including the University of Illinois, have made diversity a key objective and policy. The U.S. Government, in a 2000 document Building and Maintaining a Diverse, High-Quality Workforce, sets out to help Federal agencies and identifies specific goals, strategies to reach them, and guidelines for monitoring and assessing their effectiveness.

At the University of Illinois, a few steps in the right direction are occurring. The U.I. Office of Equal Opportunity and Access is now offering several two-hour diversity workshops. Also, a new Native American cultural house has opened on the Urbana campus. The house is intended to "serve as a venue for cultural events, social activities and as an outreach system for students of American Indian heritage." There remains the problem of the offensive (to many) Chief, however, which works against the goal of drawing more Native Americans to campus.

What of the Chief, and the University of Illinois?

Diversity is intertwined with many issues, including discrimination, harassement, and inclusiveness. Diversity is not just about the cultural makeup of the workplace (or community, or University), but also the environment present at those places. An environment characterized by insensitivity, disregard for cultural differences or overt racism is one inconsistent with creating a diverse, inclusive atmosphere.

The presence of the Chief - in person, or as a (trademarked) symbol, is insensitive at best, and goes against the stated diversity goals of the University. As an athletic team and University symbol - or as some would say, mascot - the Chief represents a step backwards - or a failure to move forward. As we shall see, the NCAA (for athletics) and North Central Association (in academics) are very much moving forward in issues of diversity, inclusiveness, and regard for cultural sensitivity.

The NCAA Weighs In

The NCAA is, and has for several months, been studying an internal report which "challenges institutions to conduct review of mascot choice." For schools using Native American mascots, nicknames and imagery, the report advises that they "thoroughly examine whether they offend any of their constituents." The report says, in part, that

"aspects of mascot use or behaviors associated with mascots that the [school's] review finds to be offensive would have to be eliminated in order to comply with the NCAA's principles of cultural diversity and gender equity, sportsmanship and ethical conduct and nondiscrimination."

This report and its recommendations were the subject of a session at the NCAA's January, 2003 Convention, as described in NCAA News. While the committee's recommendations are still "working their way" through the NCAA, one member of the committee issuing the report noted that

"the committee believes good intentions to honor American Indians do not always end in good results."

Diversity, the North Central Association, and Accreditation

Where diversity issues are concerned, the NCA is not sitting passively on the sidelines. The NCA recently (Feb. 2003) issued a Commission Statement on Diversity, which said in part:

"the Commission champions diversity as a value to be upheld, and it looks to its member organizations to promote diversity in both concept and practice as they realize their respective missions."

"people in an environment that encourages inclusiveness and discourages acts of insensitivity and disrespect can become more enlightened ..."

More directly, in terms of expectations of member institutions (emphasis added):

"Recognizing diversity is one of the values embraced by the Commission in its overall statement of mission and its new Criteria of Accreditation. Therefore, member organizations are encouraged to evaluate their respective missions, visions, values, and character to determine how well they address issues of diversity when providing enriching educational experiences and services for their constituencies."

"through its Criteria, the Commission does expect its member organizations to evidence positive responses to issues of diversity and to show the relationship of those responses to the integrity of their operations."

They aren't kidding. The November 2002 NCA "Proposed Criteria for Accreditation" explicitly makes diversity a key topic:

Core Component 1B. In its mission documents, the organization recognizes the diversity of its learners, other constituencies, and the greater society it serves.

Other parts of the Accreditation document which go to the heart of the Chief debate, respect for all cultures, and diversity:

• The mission documents affirm the organization's commitment to honor the dignity and worth of individuals.
• The organization provides an environment that supports all learners and respects the diversity they bring.
• The organization demonstrates attention to the diversity of the constituencies it serves.
• The organization's planning documents show careful attention to the organization's function in a multicultural society.

Closing Thoughts

DIVERSITY is being embraced all over the U.S., in many different arenas. It is good for business, good for government & education, and is the right thing to do.

Well intended or not, the Chief is an act of insensitivity and disrespect. Native Americans are not honored; many are greatly offended. The Chief is a stereotype, a mockery of their religion, and has no place at an institution of higher learning. The Chief is also a poor representative for the UofI. Isn't it time to retire the Chief? •