Friday, April 28, 2006

 

Anti-“Chief” Organization Applauds NCAA Appeal Ruling,
Calls On University of Illinois Board to Do the Right Thing

On Friday, April 28th, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) ruled on the mascot appeals of four universities, including the University of Illinois and it’s symbol “Chief Illiniwek.” The Progressive Resource/Action Cooperative (PRC), which has worked for the elimination of “Chief Illiniwek” since 1989, commends the NCAA for ruling against U of I’s appeal and keeping the university on the list of schools with “hostile and abusive” mascots. The ruling against the appeals of the University of Illinois, University of North Dakota, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania is a mile marker for the movements against race-based mascots.

The University of Illinois Board of Trustees reacted quickly to the news in their usual counterproductive method. U of I Board Chairman Lawrence Eppley was quoted in the University’s press release as saying, “By branding an 80-year tradition ‘hostile and abusive,’ the NCAA inappropriately defames generations of Illinoisans and University of Illinois supporters.” Tradition should never be used as an argument to retain something; there are many long traditions that have become outdated and inappropriate, like Black Face, Jim Crow laws, denying the right of women and people of color to vote, segregation, slavery, and much more. “I believe that Eppley’s comment on the defamation of Illinoisans is ignorant and untrue. As an Illinoisan and U of I student I feel ashamed of the “Chief” tradition and that Chairman Eppley feels it is appropriate to speak for me,” commented Bess Van Asselt, co-coordinator of the PRC.

In addition, Chairman Eppley clearly feels that the University’s autonomy is being violated. In the Staff Committee’s Response, the NCAA wrote, “As was noted when the August 2005 policy was announced, the Executive Committee is not interfering with member institutions’ right to determine what their nickname, mascots or imagery will be. Institutional autonomy continues to be a valued principle. The Executive Committee’s policy applies only to the context of NCAA championships.” The University cites in their 4/28/06 press release that the athletics will be hardest by the post-season restrictions. U of I spokesperson Tom Hardy wrote, “A ban on hosting NCAA championship events would put Illini athletics at a competitive disadvantage and make it hard to recruit top student athletes and coaches.” Hardy goes on to cite the excellence of the athletics programs at U of I. Jen Tayabji, co-coordinator of the PRC, “The University does have an excellent athletics programs and I am a proud supporter of the teams. It’s the athletes, the coaches, and the programs that make them so great, not the presence of ‘Chief Illiniwek.’ And it’s the University, not the NCAA, that is hurting the athletics because the Board chooses to maintain a racist mascot, instead of dealing with the issue and giving the athletics the ability to host post-season play.”

The University of Illinois Board has the power to resolve the “Chief Illiniwek” controversy as they are the ones who perpetuate it. Take heed from organizations like the NCAA and recognize the hostile and abusive nature of “Chief Illiniwek.” In the best interest of the University, take action today and eliminate the “Chief” in its entirety—the name, dance, and logo.

Download PRC's press release (pdf)

NCAA Press Release

University of Illinois Press Release (pdf)

NCAA Upholds Chief Restrictions (The News-Gazette)

Illinois, North Dakota can't use Indian names (MSNBC)