[Newspoetry] To the Fighting Illini from a Fighting Alumni

[bethany r cooper]

Please, get rid of the "chief". 

If this university's sports teams  must have a symbol, there are plenty to
choose from that *don't* perpetuate racism. 

That so many sports fans believe they are somehow 'honoring' indiginous
peoples through watching the "chief" dance, is historically naive, and
frankly, downright ludicrous..

Since when does the cat get to decide what's honorable for the mouse?

It will benefit everyone involved if we  create a new mascot for the
university and retire the "chief". 


Bethany Cooper