Chief Illiniwek

The Struggle for Chief Illiniwek Imagine going to a University of Illinois sporting event and not seeing Chief Illiniwek perform at half time. This may soon be the case. Many Native Americans feel that the symbol of Chief Illiniwek portrays a racist stereotype, but because Chief Illiniwek represents the pride for athletics, as well as respect for the University of Illinois itself, he should not be dismissed as mascot and swapped with some common, unoriginal …

…stereotype of Native Americans, shows the pride and spirit of the University of Illinois. Many high schools and colleges across the country have already changed their Indian mascots and nicknames to other symbols, but there are a handful of schools, such as the University of Illinois, that will not budge because Indian mascots do not show racism in any way, shape, or form. Love him or despise him, no one will ever forget Chief Illiniwek.