A University of Illinois commission has recommended to campus leaders that the former symbol of Chief Illiniwek be publicly retired.
The report, released today, recommends that the University move on from the symbol, while recognizing the history of it. The commission recommends a website devoted to the history of the symbol, as well as a permanent plaque or monument outside Memorial Stadium dedicated to the symbol as well as the students who portrayed it.
The commission also called for a public event to formally retire the Chief to “serve as both closure for the past and the pivot to the future.”
The commission did not make any recommendation of a new mascot, but suggested that the University:
“Engage and collaborate with all key University stakeholders in the development of new traditions for students and alumni to enjoy,build momentum around, and rally around collectively.”
The report added:
Dedicate resources by utilizing, as appropriate, external professional resources to engage all key stakeholders in identifying new tradition(s) such as music, symbols, branding, marketing, or a mascot that do not rely upon Native American images or traditions.
The report also suggested that the University seek input and feedback on the report from the Peoria tribe of Oklahoma, establishing a liaison between indigenous Illinois tribes and the Chancellor’s office, and establishing a lecture series or monument to those tribes outside the stadium.
