Re: Chief Illiniwek--and Stereotype Project

Jim Postema (postema@cobber.cord.edu)
Sat, 13 May 1995 19:22:46 CDT


This looks like a prime opportunity for a group protest letter. I think
I can write one fairly easily, but my problem right now is that my account
is a mess, and I'm having trouble because it's too full. I've been slowly
working on getting it cleaned up, but it's going to be a little bit yet.

However, as a graduate of the U of Illinois myself, I really want to try
to help influence Gov. Jim Edgar's decision. I had read somewhere (I think
in the newspaper) that Edgar is hesitant to sign the bill making the
"Chief" the permanaent mascot--not necessarily because it's offensive (which
it surely is) but because he doesn't think it should be a state government
decision (which it shouldn't be, IMHO). So that might mean we have a little
time....

Is my information correct? Is he hesitant to sign? If not, I can probably
get a protest letter going, but managing all the added signatures could
get rather hairy.... Do I have two or three weeks, do you think? Or
should I get going on it now?

Jim Postema
postema@cobber.cord.edu