Florida State may have already opened up a little hole in the NCAA's policy regarding Native American symbols. In a commentary posted on the NCAA website, Myles Brand admits that FSU has a good case.
To be fair, some American Indian tribes have expressed their approval of the manner in which their names and imagery are used by specific institutions. Florida State University is a well-documented case in point, and that will likely be the basis for any appeal. The Executive Committee must take such claims seriously.
Illinois is in an unfortunate situation in this regard. First, most of the Illini Indians were wiped out by other Indians. The few that are left, the Peoria tribe in Oklahoma, once expressed their approval of the use of Chief Illiniwek. However, after a significant amount of pressure from various radical activists, many of whose ancestors tried to wipe out the Illini, the Peoria Indians changed their position.
There really is no reason the Peoria wouldn't go back to their original position. The University should open up a frank dialog with them to create a program that keeps their heritage alive within the University while providing education and economic opportunities for members of the Peoria tribe. Our University and the Peoria tribe should join together in a mutually beneficial relationship that will put us in the same situation as FSU.
