The group's recommendation Friday doesn't carry the weight of law, but Indian groups working to get schools to shed the names saw it as an endorsement of their effort. I realize it's not the end of stereotypes in sports, but I think it was really important that a federal commission get involved and make a statement to move our country toward more equality and social justice. At that meeting, board Chairman Gerald Shea said he would create a committee to study the issue of Chief Illiniwek and seek a solution that is acceptable to those who like the Chief and those who don't. I think what the chairman wanted to explore was those kinds of remarks made by his fellow trustees. He wanted them to look into the issue further.
Critics view it as a racial parody.
For most of the 1990s, faculty members and students have protested the Chief.