Chief Illiniwek foes shut out

URBANA For the time being, students and faculty opposed toUniversity of Illinois mascot Chief Illiniwek won't be addressing theboard of trustees.

The board's policy is to not take public comment on the sameissue repeatedly unless there is a significant change, boardsecretary Michele Thompson said.

"The board has been very open all year in hearing from the Chiefopponents," Thompson said, noting that some have addressed theboard two or three times.Chief Illiniwek is a 72-year-old tradition featuring a studentwho performs in Indian regalia at halftime of football and basketballgames.The debate over the Chief started 10 years ago, with opponentssaying it is a racist stereotype and supporters arguing it honorsAmerican Indian culture.The campus senate, made up of faculty and students, said in avote last month that trustees should retire Chief Illiniwek.Paula Ostrovsky of Alumni Against Racist Mascots promised thatChief opponents are prepared for a long struggle."How long and how fierce is up to the board," she said. "Wewill adjust accordingly."