"Well, well, well." Let’s see what the University of Illinois Board of Trustees does with this. (Local version) Will it finally be the goad they need to do the right thing?
I am not one of the folks out protesting and raising a fuss, but I do consider Chief Illiniwek to be racist. There is simply no non-racist way to defend his retention as a mascot, or symbol, or whatever those who support him want to call him. One might be able to make a reasoned, intellectual sort of argument for his retention, but then one only has to watch the behavior and langauge of his supporters and realize that it really is racism no matter how prettily they dress it up.
Seems the NCAA has only taken a half-step, but at least it is a step. At least 18 schools, to include the U of I, will no longer be able to host post-season tournaments. Last year, UIUC hosted the soccer championships and the men’s tennis championship. I wonder if these events bring in enough money or prestige for it to matter to them. The Trusteed may be able to just shrug it off, but I certainly hope not.
I wish the NCAA had gone further, but it is a half-step in the right direction. Maybe someday I’ll be able to buy and wear something with my school’s name on it. For now though, I won’t even own anything that simply says "University of Illinois."
"The Chief Forever" Let’s hope not.
Just in, the NCAA statement: NCAA Executive Committee Issues Guidleines for Use of Native American Mascots at Championship Events