Kathy Miranda, Monday, Jan. 19, 2003

(Opinion: strongly anti-Chief)

In this day and age, why can't the school understand that Chief Illiniwek is offensive and disrespectful? Why can't the school see it's own hypocrisy by claiming to respect culture and diversity -- not to mention what a laughing stock it has become by it's insistence to keep the "Chief."

It's embarrassing, really. Would a respected university support a team called the Fighting Slaves, with a man in shackles as a mascot? Would the argument that it's a tradition hold up?

Would the Pope support a Fighting Catholics team, with a man dressed up as the Pope tossing condoms to the crowd at half-time?

Chief Illiniwek is offensive, plain and simple. Indians are not imaginary or long-gone people. They are real live human beings who are still here, and deserve the respect entitled to everyone who lives in this country. Mascots are supposed to be fun and entertaining. American Indians are not here for our entertainment.

Just do the right thing -- retire the Chief.

K.M., via the web.