" There is no doubt that those who love and support the Chief intend to honor American Indians with their portrayal. To generations - including three in my own family - who have stood under the welcoming arms of the alma mater, it is a cherished and traditional symbol; people truly respect the values that they believe it represents.

But we also respect [Martin Luther] King and FDR and cherish what they stand for. In fact, we respect and cherish them enough to keep them from weekly performances at sporting events.

It is time to pay that same respect to Chief Illiniwek. The Board of Trustees at the University of Illinois, and all who wish to honor American Indians, should retire the Chief, and return to American Indians the most basic component of that honor - dignity."

Get the Story:
Halftime isn't a forum for honor and respect (The Northern Star Online 12/2)

Relevant Links:
Chief Illiniwek, University of Illinois - http://www.uiuc.edu/dialogue/index.html
Anti-Chief Site - http://www.prairienet.org/prc/prcanti.html

Related Stories:
Opinion: Chief Illiniwek will take his last dance soon (09/15)
University board to discuss fate of Chief Illiniwek (06/17)
Anti-Chief Illiniwek activists stage sit-in at college (04/19)
Students support keeping Chief Illiniwek mascot (03/19)
School to poll students on Chief Illiniwek mascot (03/11)
Chief Illiniwek battle an especially harsh one (12/16)
Alumni support didn't drop after mascot change (2/20)
Editorial: Stop 'pussyfooting' on Chief Illiniwek (11/17)
Commentary: Don't get rid of Chief Illiniwek (11/13)
'Chief' school opens Native American House (02/07)
Ill. mascot foes awarded $5,000 (07/23)
Ex-school official faces suit in mascot case (5/29)
Students vote to retire Illiniwek (5/3)
Retain or retire, but no apology for 'Chief' (3/14)
Chief Illiniwek report released (3/13)
Editorial: Rethink mascot opposition (3/7)
Illiniwek foes win round in court (4/6)
Church gives money to Chief Illiniwek foes (2/8)