August 26, 2004

Report Cites UI Board's Failure to Resolve "Chief Illiniwek" Controversy - Anti-"Chief" Supporters See Report As A Step Forward

In a report released yesterday, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA) addressed the controversy of "Chief Illiniwek" at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This report, the product of an April 2004 Focus Visit by the NCA, was to determine the effect of the "Chief" on the University of Illinois . Although the commission did not immediately challenge the accreditation of the University, they strongly emphasized the detrimental effects of the presence of the symbol and the University Board of Trustees' failure to resolve the issue.

The NCA's report is a significant step forward for the anti-"Chief" movement as the report clearly documents the damaging consequences of the racist "Chief" on the University. The Evaluation Team wrote, "The Chief issue and surrounding controversy have an influence that is harmful to educational effectiveness in a variety of areas, especially leadership, governance, educational integrity, and campus climate." Mike Bordieri, co-coordinator of the PRC, said, "This report highlights what people have known on this campus for years-that the 'Chief' is divisive and harmful to the University. The Board of Trustees must act immediately and in the best interests of the University by eliminating 'Chief Illiniwek'"

On the issue of the Board's efforts to resolve the controversy, the report states, "Inaction leaves the impression that the elaborate 'enhanced dialogue' process and the two resulting reports sponsored by the Board have had no impact on the Board's ability or willingness to reach a decision." One of the fears is that the mascot issue will deter top-ranking applicants from considering faculty and administrative positions at the University. Jen Tayabji, the Director of the Illinois Disciples Foundation, expressed, "Taking no action on the issue is declaring a pro-'Chief' stance. This shows that the Board would rather continue to harm the University by keeping the 'Chief' than address the real issues of racism on this campus. The 'Chief' is an outdated symbol and this University needs to join the 21 st century by eliminating 'Chief Illiniwek' in its entirety. It's more than past due."

The PRC calls on the Board to follow the North Central Association's recommendations by taking action and doing what is best for the University. Eliminate the "Chief"-the name, dance, and logo-now.