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Editorial: 'Chief Illiniwek' a sacred symbol
Monday, November 21, 2005

"Let's see, the NCAA said it was OK for Florida State University to maintain its nickname, the Seminoles, and its symbol, Chief Osceola, who rides bareback on a horse. That is because of the university's long-time educational role with the Seminoles, an existing Indian tribe.

However, the NCAA would only approve Illini and Fighting Illini as nicknames for the University of Illinois, but not its symbol, Chief Illiniwek, as a mascot or logo. Illini, it was reasoned, was taken from the name of the state. However, the Chief and chief logo, are considered "hostile or abusive" characterizations of Native Americans.

Of course, Illinois couldn't have an ongoing relationship with the Illini tribe as Florida State does with the Seminoles because the Illini no longer exist. So, Illinois doesn't have tribal members to speak in its behalf. So why is it left up to people with no affiliation with the Illini tribe, on campus or within the NCAA offices, to decide whether Illinois should terminate a sacred, 80-year-old tradition to become politically correct?"

Get the Story:
Editorial: The Chief has no Illini tribe to ask for support (The Bloomington Pantagraph 11/19)

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

Related Stories:
NCAA allows 'Illini' but rejects 'Chief Illiniwek' (11/14)
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)
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Anti-Chief Illiniwek activists stage sit-in at college (04/19)
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)
'Chief' school opens Native American House (02/07)
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Editorial: Rethink mascot opposition (3/7)
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