I would like to respond to the Annonymous comment comparing the "Chief Illiniwek" issue to grinding and I believe that they are totally different. The grinding issue impacts all students, as does the presence of a racial stereotype on campus. However, because the chief is a racial stereotype, the race who is being portrayed has a inherent right to the central opinion on the issue, because it is a potrayal of them. In fact because of the dynamics of American Indian Law and tribal soverignty, the rights of the tribes to control their image is strengthened. The obvious example of which is the Seminole tribe, whose endorsement of Florida State's mascot was respected by NCAA caused the NCAA to immiedately back off from their criticim of FSU before the tribe's support. And while many may not agree with the Seminoles decision, the point is, it is their decision to make. Also, as an American Indian student, I can say that I have faced blatant racism from both Uni and U of I students not just because of my position on the "Chief" issue but because I am of my race and do not conform to the romantic stereotype. So, unlike the grinding issue where you can look the other way, the only way for me to escape hostility in this town is to move. I didnt ask for it to affect me, but it does and I cant just "ignore it". Just some perspective.... but creative train of thought Anonymous.