I read with interest your recent articles on the issue of whether Chief Illiniwek should remain the symbol of the University of Illinois. I find it intriguing, with so many issues affecting the day-to-day lives of Native Americans, that so much effort is directed toward the abolition of an honored symbol of the Native American heritage of our state. I would suggest that those with an interest in furthering the cause of Native Americans focus their energies on educational and job programs that will have a truly positive impact on many Native Americans.
Representative Rick Winkel’s assertion that the symbol of Chief Illiniwek is of genuine concern to the citizens of Illinois misses the point as well. What should be of far greater concern to Rep. Winkel is the issue of eroding faculty salaries at the university due in large part to the lack of legislative support.
