Native American students at the University of Illinois have been threatened for opposing the school's controversial "Chief Illiniwek" mascot.
Two students made derogatory statements on on Facebook.Com, a popular networking site. One student threatened to "throw a tomohawk" at a Sioux woman who is leading opposition to the mascot.
The university is trying to determine whether disciplinary action can be taken. Native students say they are proof of the "hostile and abusive" environment created by use of the mascot.
The NCAA plans to take sanctions against the school for using the mascot. The university won't be allowed to host post-season games or display Indian imagery during playoffs.
Get the Story:Facebook postings alarm UI officials (The Daily Illini 1/16)
Chief Illiniwek brings symbol's story to historical society (The Sauk Valley Sun 1/15)
Ugly Turn in Mascot Dispute at Illinois University (Inside Higher Ed 1/11)
Join the Conversation
NCAA Update:Status of Indian Mascot Policy (April 28, 2006) NCAA Executive Committee Decision:
Native American Mascot Appeals Decisions (April 28, 2006) NCAA Policy on Indian Mascots:
NCAA Executive Committee Issues Guidelines for Use of Native American Mascots at Championship Events (August 5, 2005) Relevant Links:
Chief Illiniwek, University of Illinois - http://www.uiuc.edu/dialogue/index.html
Retire the Chief - http://www.retirethechief.org Related Stories:
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