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NCAA allows 'Illini' but rejects 'Chief Illiniwek'
Sunday, November 13, 2005

The NCAA issued a mixed ruling on the University of Illinois nickname and mascot.

The NCAA said the school's "Fighting Illini" is acceptable because it is not based on any tribe. But the NCAA reaffirmed that "Chief Illiniwek" is a hostile and abusive mascot. The "Chief" is depicted by a student who dresses up in "Indian" garb and "dances" at certain events.

The NCAA policy bans the use of Indian imagery during post-season tournaments. According to The Indianapolis Star, the school doesn't let the "Chief" appear at such games due to ongoing controversy.

The policy also prevents schools that continue to use Indian imagery from hosting post-season tournaments.

Get the Story:
NCAA bans 'Chief Illiniwek' (AP 11/12)
NCAA: Illini OK, not chief (The Indianapolis Star 11/12)
Native Americans: Illiniwek Not True To Heritage (CBS News 11/11)

Relevant Links:
Chief Illiniwek, University of Illinois - http://www.uiuc.edu/dialogue/index.html
Retire the Chief - http://www.retirethechief.org

Related Stories:
Column: Tribes have right to oppose 'Chief Illiniwek' (09/15)
University of Illinois trustee blasts NCAA policy (08/17)
Illiniwek 'chiefs' say they are proud of tradition (04/22)
Drunk Student: Chief Illiniwek is not offensive to Natives (04/07)
Native lawyers file lawsuit against Chief Illiniwek (03/16)
Chief Illiniwek relegated to sidelines for games (3/11)
Column: Chief Illiniwek mascot inappropriate (12/02)
Opinion: Chief Illiniwek will take his last dance soon (09/15)
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Students support keeping Chief Illiniwek mascot (03/19)
School to poll students on Chief Illiniwek mascot (03/11)
Chief Illiniwek battle an especially harsh one (12/16)
Alumni support didn't drop after mascot change (2/20)
Editorial: Stop 'pussyfooting' on Chief Illiniwek (11/17)
Commentary: Don't get rid of Chief Illiniwek (11/13)
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Ill. mascot foes awarded $5,000 (07/23)
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Chief Illiniwek report released (3/13)
Editorial: Rethink mascot opposition (3/7)
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