When the trustees passed a resolution in January reopening dialogue on whether the university should continue using an American Indian chief as the school symbol, there was little discussion or debate. Despite the controversial subject matter, the trustees unanimously passed a resolution to set up a process for gathering and analyzing public opinion about whether the school should retire the chief, which has been deemed by critics as an outdated, racist caricature that is insulting to American Indians. The Illiniwek issue was discussed privately because it was raised by the North Central Association, a body that accredits colleges and universities. The association's mention of Illiniwek was included in a preliminary report, which was still confidential at the time. That's why the discussion was in closed session, Englebrecht said.
Illinois law allows exceptions to the Open Meetings Act in certain circumstances.
The trustees' attorney, Tom Bearrows, said the meeting met guidelines for an exception, but he would not say which exception, citing attorney-client privilege. Shawn Denney, senior counsel to the Illinois Attorney General and an author of the Open Meetings Act, said the board should further explain its reasoning.