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The

GREAT DEBATE

.

News Clippings Throughout the Debate

Special "B.A.K.T." Podcast

1981

Below is a photograph of Jack Davis at work on the new design of the Chief Illini logo. This design would be used as the primary logo for Illinois, printed on merchandise and school infrastructure for many years to come.

August 28, 1990

Anti-chief protestors show up to a student event called "Be a Part From the Start". The Chief was scheduled to make an appearance but never showed up.

1990

Following recent uproar and debate over Chief Illiniwek, it appears that the mascot isn't moving anywhere fast. Perhaps there isn't enough pressure on the Illiois Union Board (IUB), yet.

Janurary 31, 1991

As the spark of controversy begins to build over Chief Illiniwek, proposals are also underway for potential new mascots. To the left is an anti-chief protestor and spokeswoman for Native Americans for Progress. Proposals at a meeting included Illinois Fighting Wolves.

September 24, 1991

Here you will see a snapshot of Pro-Chief activists writing and filing nearly 4000 letters intended for U of I trustees in hopes of pursuading them of Pro-Chief Illiniwek.

Janurary, 1992

In light of tension growing about Chief Illiniwek, Security is taking action. Here you can see police officers escorting Chief off the field after a halftime performance as a saftey precaution.

Febuary 23, 1992

Beyond the university, protestors began moving further out. Protests were seen at the community Urbana High School after an event that was dedicated to deciding positions on the Chief Illiniwek board.

April 16, 1993

Tensions highten as both sides begin to accumulate more supporters and attention. Protests begin popping up more frequently and in multiple locations.

June 4, 1995

Despite all the controversy, meetings, and protests, Chief continued his halftime performances for the time being. However, reactions were always mixed. At this point, controversy was heard nationwide.

August, 2005

Following years of heated debate, the controversy began to taint NCAA programs. As a result, the NCAA tightened their boot-straps and decided enough is enough. In 2005, NCAA filed a report stating starting Feburary 2006, any team using "hostile" and "abusive" mascots will not be allowed to play in the tournament, forcing Illinois to succumb to the terms.

October, 2006

Chief Illiniwek performed his last homecoming halftime performance. After this game the Chief (and all related) could no longer represent the University of Illinois.