The longtime symbol of the University and its athletic teams, Chief Illiniwek has become the focus of a long-standing and widespread controversy. Viewed as honorable to some and racist to others, the question of whether to replace the Chief has become an issue upheld by years of University students. Groups such as Students for Chief Illiniwek fight to retain the Chief, while groups like the Progressive Resource/Action Coalition and People Against Racism oppose him.

News Articles
Anti-Chief activists upset with Garippo report (10/25/00)
Summary of dialogue, testimonials in 270-page report (10/19/00)
Homecoming brings fiery protests (10/16/00)
Protestors use holiday to demonstrate against Chief (10/10/00)
Pro-Chief documentary draws 800 to screening (9/25/00)
Students for Chief Illiniwek hold first meeting (9/13/00)
Athletics department won't allow anti-Chief ad in football program (6/19/00)
Official opposition to Chief builds among American Indians (4/18/00)
Voices heard amid rising tension (4/17/00)
Forum a war of words (4/17/00)
Searching for compromise (4/17/00)
Chief on trial: Testimony presented from both sides (4/15/00)
Safety, order chief concerns in debate (4/14/00)
Debate's planning under fire (4/13/00)
English Department announces opposition to Chief (4/13/00)

Related Links
Dialogue on Chief Illiniwek (uiuc.edu)
Students for Chief Illiniwek
Progressive Resource/Action Cooperative
Chief Illiniwek Educational Foundation
National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media
National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media (Amerian Indian Movement)