Illinois Student Senate Committee on the Exploration of a University Mascot

Those familiar with the University of Illinois understand the controversy surrounding Chief Illiniwek, the former symbol of the University. "The Chief" was retired in 2007 after threats of sanctions from the NCAA, based on claims that the symbol created a "hostile environment" at the University. Many U of I fans and alumni were upset with this decision - why should the NCAA govern our athletic branding? Why didn't administration fight this? Still, others felt this was a step in the right direction. Many in the Native American community and activists like Charlene Teters found Native American mascots or symbols highly offensive and harmful.  

Since Chief Illiniwek was officially retired by the University on February 21, 2007, many fans have called for his return. It's been a constant sore spot on the University's athletics - it divides rather than unites fans. 

I was a member of the student government during my time at U of I, and during the fall semester of my junior year a close friend in the organization approached me. He asked what I thought about the idea of having a committee select a new mascot. I was intrigued, and our discussions began.

After meeting with other members of the student government, we decided we would form a committee to see if the University was ready for a new mascot. From February of 2016 until nearly the end of the semester, we would meet with different stakeholder groups - students, faculty, athletes - and hold hearing-style meeting to better understand the issue, and what was best for the University moving forward.

To say it was a taxing process would be an enormous understatement. At each meeting, those who were for or against the possibility of a mascot clashed. At times, my colleague or I had to stop meetings to remind people to act in a civil manner. I was sent hundreds of emails during the process - some of which were not worded in a very nice manner. But still, we persisted.

Finally, by the end of April, the committee finished its business, discussed, and voted on what to do. We ended up deciding that administration should move forward with a process to select a new mascot, and wrote a report to present to the chancellor and administration on what our findings were. 

As of now, no action has been made by administration regarding the committee's recommendation. However, in our 10-page report, the months of work has been condensed so that the issue can be better understood. 

Although it may be years, or even decades, until the University is able to find something that unites all its fans, I hope that one day the Illini nation can come together once again. I truly believe our committee was the first step in a long timeline of mending the divisive mascot issue at Illinois.