The Oglala Sioux tribal members recently passed a resolution asking that the University of Illinois stop using the Chief Illiniwek mascot. The university is going to review the resolution. I can recall numerous similar statements from university officials in the past. The sensitivities of the culture and values of many tribal members continue disrespected, and any decision to end the Chief Illiniwek tradition remains shelved. The Chief IIliniwek issue certainly does not compare to the seriousness of conflict that we have in the Middle East. We are illiterate about the history, cultures and values of the countries in that region. We often fail to understand or to respect viewpoints that differ from ours. Such insensitivity frequently results in serious conflict. The need to terminate the Chief Illiniwek tradition at the University of Illinois is understandably difficult. However, the feelings of the tribal members deserve our respect and our priority.
