March 2, 2007

After Years of Debate, U. of Illinois Drums Out Its Controversial Mascot

By BRAD WOLVERTON

Chief Illiniwek, the controversial American Indian mascot of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has danced for the last time.

Illinois's Board of Trustees announced in February that it had decided to discontinue the 81-year-old tradition, ending a dispute that had splintered the campus and led the NCAA to ban Illini teams from playing host to postseason sporting events.

The chief performed for the last time at the final home game of the men's basketball team this

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