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[source: NativeNews; Wed, 23 Feb 2000 19:14:48]
Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2000 16:59:26 -0600
To: crue@uiuc.edu
From: Cyd Crue <crue@uiuc.edu>
Subject: PRESS RELEASE Native American Leaders Respond to UI Call to
Dialogue
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NATIVE AMERICAN LEADERS RESPOND TO UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CALL TO DIALOGUE
For more information contact:
Michael S. Haney, NCRSM National Executive Director. At the National
Congress of American Indians Annual Meeting, Grand Hyatt, Washington
D.C.
(202)582-1234 Room 232
Paula Ostrovsky, NCRSM National Public Relations/Press Officer (217)344-6928
Patrick Oray,NCRSM-IL President (217)337-1514
Cyd Crue, NCRSM-IL Vice President (217)355-6757
February 23, 2000
Thomas R. Bearrows
University Counsel
University of Illinois
Office of University Counsel (MC225)
405 Administrative Office Building
1737 West Polk Street
Chicago, IL 60612-7228
Dear Counsel Bearrows:
Thank you for your invitation to submit in writing our suggestions
regarding processes the University might implement to develop an appropriate
strategy for addressing the upcoming dialogue regarding the use of
"Chief
Illiniwek." We herein propose the following:
First and foremost, we believe that this "dialogue" should not be reduced
merely to a popularity contest. Rather, the discussion should focus on
understanding the implications of using racial images as institutional
symbols/mascots. Any such dialogue should analyze and incorporate
extant research (legal and academic) on the use of such imagery, including
all the
correspondence, resolutions and information received in the past ten
years. To facilitate this discussion we suggest the formation of
a review committee to collect, analyze, and submit findings in this regard.
This committee should be comprised of Native American representatives and
educational specialists, native and non-native academics and attorneys,
and members of
the local and national community (NAACP, religious organizations, etc.).
The questions to be assessed in this study should entail not only the "Chief's"
alleged negative impact, but also the "Chief's" alleged positive impact
and a clear identification of the affected constituency.
Specifically, the questions addressed should include:
(1) Does "Chief Illiniwek" have a positive impact on Native Americans
on
campus, in the community, in the state or at the National level? Does
"Chief Illiniwek" have a positive impact on any constituency? What
exactly
are these benefits?
(2) Does the production of alcoholic beverage accoutrements (shot glasses,
beer mugs, etc.) with the head of an Indian (Chief Illiniwek logo)
on them
perpetuate a negative connection between Indians and alcohol? How do
these
images impact Native American children in the Champaign/Urbana community?
How far reaching are these effects in the state of Illinois?
(3) Is there a connection between the steady low recruitment and retention
of Native students and faculty at the University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign campus and its use of a native mascot/symbol?
(4) How does the outside academic community view this use of Native
American
imagery, by the University of Illinois? What is the real financial
and
academic effect of learned societies boycotting the University of Illinois
and the state until the mascot is abandoned?
Second, we suggest that the committee review the importance of
establishing an American Indian Studies Program. The establishment
of an
academic program would be appropriate and reasonable if the University
of
Illinois is really interested in bringing a level of seriousness and
respect
to this topic.
Third, we suggest several public hearings be held throughout the state to report the findings of the review committee and to ensure maximum public participation in this dialogue.
Finally, we respectfully request a meeting with you in person within
the next ten days to discuss Native American input into the review committee
and entire process. We hope that you consider that in the recent cancellation
of the Washington football team's trademarks, the Trademark
Trial and Appeal Board held in Harjo v. Pro Football Inc., TTAB, Canc.
No. 21069, 4/2/99 that any disparagement (negative impact) was to be determined
by the context of contemporary attitudes, not the original intent of fans.
In addition, please bear in mind that the Appeal Board considered the views
of Native Americans rather than the views of the general public.
We look forward to meeting and working with you on this important process.
Sincerely,
Michael S. Haney
Executive Director
National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media
P.O. Box 337, Urbana, Illinois 61803
(217) 344-6928 phone/fax
ncrsm@hotmail.com
Website http://ncrsm.tripod.com
cc:
Philip Certain, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, North
Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Lawrence Baca, Department of Justice
J. Stukel, President
W. Engelbrecht, Chair, Board of Trustees
M. Thompson, Secretary, Board of Trustees Executive Director
Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Senate Select Committee on Indian
Affairs
Brian Stockes, Governmental Affairs Associate, National Congress of
American
Indians
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