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Announcement :: Right Wing |
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NCAA mascot decision |
Current rating: 0 |
by Eracism
Email: eracism (nospam) iresist.org (unverified!) |
18 Oct 2005
Modified: 11:24:23 PM |
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UIUC's Board of Trustees (BOT) have appealed the NCAA mascot ruling. Urgent action is needed to encourage the NCAA to stand by their decision and pressure the BOT to action. |
Dear community members.
The letter below is included to urge you to make some time and respond directly to the NCAA regarding the university’s appeal of the mascot ruling. UIUC’s Native American House’s administration, faculty and students have all taken strong stances against the BOT’s stalling antics and lack of desire to gain input from the American Indian community on this issue. The NCAA ruling, if upheld, may prove to be the pivotal external force needed to finally end the embarrassing reign of the stereotypical representation that brings much shame and conflict to this university. You are being asked to please use the contact information below to voice your opinion about the role of this mascot in creating a negative environment for learning, growth, scholarship and community. Also, we are asking that you raise this issue within your organizations and friendships and urge them to take a stance on this issue ASAP. Individuals associated with the other cultural houses and ethnic studies programs on campus are particularly encouraged to share your insights with the NCAA.
_________________________________________
At the following URL please find a copy of the
University of Illinois Board of Trustees's Appeal to the NCAA ruling regarding the use of American Indian mascots, nicknames, and imagery.
http://iresist.org/NCAA-Appeal.pdf
This appeal argues for the continued use of American Indian imagery at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
I encourage us all to closely read this document and consider writing to the NCAA, as well as university and BOT leadership, and Governor Blagojevich. This appeal and UIUC's presence in the national media around the mascot issue impacts us all. Those of us who are at UIUC know that the mascot issue creates a divisive climate on our campus and that for many the campus does indeed feel hostile and unsafe. As scholars, researchers, staff, and students at a Research I institution we are all concerned with the impact of 'chief illiniwek' on the quality of education at our university. The continued distortion and misplacement of honor surrounding American Indian peoples, histories, and cultures are only exacerbated by the presence of a mascot, 'chief illiniwek.' The imagery, dance/spectacle, and nickname associated with 'chief illiniwek' do NOT honor American Indians nor does this 'tradition' honor our university system [for further information on the mascot see UIUC's Native American House website:
http://www.nah.uiuc.edu
Please share this e-mail with your colleagues and consider taking the time to share your views with NCAA personnel; President B. Joseph White, University of Illinois; Lawrence Eppley, Chair, University of Illinois Board of Trustees; and Governor Blagojevich. Their email addresses are below.
Thank you for your time and efforts on behalf of university.
Sincerely,
Wanda S. Pillow, Director
Native American House/American Indian Studies Program
Associate Professor, Educational Policy Studies
Your voice and input are important. Share your views on the appeal with:
Dr. Myles Brand, President
The National Collegiate Athletic Association
317-917-6222
mbrand (at) ncaa.org
Dr. Bernard Franklin, Senior Vice President
The National Collegiate Athletic Association
317-917-6222
bfranklin (at) ncaa.org
Lawrence C. Eppley, Chair, University of Illinois Board of Trustees
Office of BOT
217-333-1920
mthompson (at) uiuc.edu
UIBOT (at) uilllinois.edu
Dr. B. Joseph White, President, University of Illinois
Office of the President
217-333-3070
bjwhite (at) uiuc.edu
Govenor Rod Blagojevich
Main District Office
312-814-2121
http://www.illinois.gov/gov/contactthegovenor.cfm |
See also:
http://iresist.org/news.html
http://www.nah.uiuc.edu
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