Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Prompted by possible loss of accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the University of Illinois Board of Trustees has "reopened the dialogue" on its mascot/symbol "Chief" Illiniwek. The National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media (NCRSM), a human rights organization directed by prominent Native American leaders, invites Indian Country to the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign for a Special Intake Session on April 14, 2000, at the University of Illinois Foellinger Auditorium, to take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This public comment session will be held to hear views on the use of "Chief Illiniwek" as the school symbol. We believe that this "dialogue" should not be reduced merely to a popularity contest among the local community and alumni and that the Native community should be well represented.

We respectfully request that all friends, allies, tribal leaders and advocates come to Champaign-Urbana to make a statement and/or show support for the retiring of "Chief Illiniwek" to the Board of Trustees and administration of the University of Illinois. The NCRSM-Illinois Chapter will coordinate housing for out of town visitors and plans to organize the largest rally ever on the University of Illinois campus.

In addition, the administration is receiving comments in writing until May 31st, 2000. We encourage all to write to; Dialogue on Chief Illiniwek P.O. Box 5052 Champaign, Illinois 61825 or E-mail to dialogue@uillinois.edu.