One of the most visible targets of political correctness will finally be axed from performing at college functions. The University of Illinois’s Chief Illiniwek will end an 81-year-old tradition with Wednesday’s home basketball game after school trustees capitulated to NCAA pressure by agreeing to stop using the inflammatory mascot.
While the imagery of the Washington Redskins, Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians was clearly objectionable, the jury was typically hung on the Illinois Chief, used to dot i’s with the marching band and perform a ceremonial dance at halftime events. In response to criticism across the country, the Chief Illiniwek Educational Foundation was formed in 1998 to “promote greater education and awareness of Illinois Natives’, culture, tradition, and history.” Didn’t matter. The controversy began in the early 1970s but didn’t pick up traction in Illinois until the surviving members of the tribe the Chief was meant to honor—forcibly relocated to Oklahoma in the 1800s—dropped their support after talking to Native American student groups.
Illinois can still use “Fighting Illini” as their team nickname given it is also a reference to the state. I nominate Lou Henson’s hair as the a replacement mascot.
