2000 The motive may be quite sincere, but they fact is many actual American Indians regard the symbol as insulting or patronizing.

Other Views

 2000 Oct 13, St Cloud Times  

      On whether the time has come to retire chief Illiniwek:

      … At the University of Illinois, administrators have dogged for years by a question that has nothing to do with the true mission of the university. The question could have been disposed of years ago, but the future of chief Illiniwek, a symbol that offends many Native Americans, remains a preoccupation.

     Why does it take so long to recognize the obvious?

      ….. University of Illinois trustees, who have been petitioned for years by Native American groups to get rid of chief Illiniwek are taking their time.

      After soliciting comments on the issue last spring – and receiving some 18,000 – they are awaiting a report due in October, and they plan to respond to it next spring.

      It really shouldn’t take all that trouble to address the issue. Supporters of the chief say he’s intended to honor the American Indians who originally inhabited Illinois and from whom the state takes its name. The motive may be quite sincere, but they fact is many actual American Indians regard the symbol as insulting or patronizing.

      Most of us, if a gesture intended to flatter ended up giving offense, would not want to make it again.

      …. If the U of I were to retire the chief, officials could spend more time worrying about the really important problems facing higher education. That day can’t come too soon.

                                                                                                                          -- Chicago Tribune 

2000 Oct 13, St Cloud Times