Students speak out against new symbol
Updated: January 21, 2013
URBANA -- Students at UI say their school is missing spirit. So they are holding a contest to pick a new symbol. It's through a group called Campus Spirit Revival. Students will vote on which entry they like best and the winner will get a $200 prize along with a chance to make UI history.
Some people can't stand the thought of replacing Chief Illiniwek. Critics started a petition to stop the initiative.
Campus Spirit Revival didn't return our calls. A university representative says the initiative is independent from the school and the administration would consider the ideas if the Illinois family thought they were feasible.
Some people can't stand the thought of replacing Chief Illiniwek. Critics started a petition to stop the initiative.
Campus Spirit Revival didn't return our calls. A university representative says the initiative is independent from the school and the administration would consider the ideas if the Illinois family thought they were feasible.
Comments
Long live the Chief.... But is there a way to win this battle? I think there is. There is more to consider. May I throw out an idea? Can we re-image the Chief? Is it possible to make some changes without losing the Chief? My idea is to change the Chief from being an Indian chief to being a Fire Chief. Let's give honor, respect, and recognition to a profession that has served the Illini nation for a very long time. Let's re-image Chief Illiniwek into Fire Chief Illiniwek. Let's recognize the proud heritage of the first responders. Let the Chief carry a fire axe. Let the chief wear a fire helmet and all the appropriate gear. Let the Chief be part of the "Three-in-one". Let the Chief do a new dance. If the native americans don't want us to give them honor then let's give honor to a deserving profession. The Chicago fire has history. The Fighting Illini..... fighting fire. Let's fight this battle. Let's win this battle.
Tom N.
January 28, 2013 at 10:34 am
U of I should realize by now that the majority and I do believe it is a majority of students past and present feel our mascot ..Chief Illiniwek.... was removed without any push back of fight from the university. When you see other schools with mascots like ours who play on national tv and all is acceptable, you will realize that only U of I lacks the backbone to stand up for what is right. Maybe it's time the majority of people stood up and said enough. Bring back the Chief and restore the missing spirit along with the dignity, honor, tradition and respect that goes along with him.
Rebecca J.
January 22, 2013 at 10:21 am
We HAVE a symbol for the University's athletic teams, and no PC ("Always political, seldom correct") wackos can take him away from us.
Thomas L.
January 21, 2013 at 4:53 pm
Let's make the mascot a oppossum,then when the ncaa says something the U.of I can roll over and play dead
sanford j.
January 19, 2013 at 8:29 pm
