October 25, 2007

OPEN LETTER to Chancellor Herman from Professor Antonia Darder
 
Dear Chancellor Herman,
 
I just finish reading the media advisory notice that states:
"As administrators planned this year's Homecoming parade, they created a policy that they interpreted was in keeping with the retirement directive. In reviewing that policy, Chancellor Richard Herman has determined that the interpretation was overly broad.
The University values free speech and free expression and considers Homecoming floats, decorations, costumes and related signage all representations of such personal expression."
My understanding, confirmed by staff, is that the revised policy will now permit Homecoming float makers to utilize the "Chief Illiniwek" logo or images, in the name of "free expression."  This is an unfortunate decision on the part of the administration.  The implications of this decision are significant, in ways that the administration fails to understand.  
 
For example, taking this line of thinking further, if a float maker wants to use KKK imagery or a noose hanging from a tree on a homecoming float, is this now also acceptable under the auspices of  "free expression?"  Or if a float maker wants to use images of people copulating or nude participants on a float, would this also be accepted as the freedom of personal expression?  And if not, why not? Certainly if public nudity is considered immoral or at least inappropriate, why not public racism?
 
Moreover, there is a blatant disregard here for the fact that "The Chief" is the direct product of racism, with its long history of appropriation and commodification of Native Americans---the same populations that were almost completely exterminated by white conquerors. Hence, the "Chief" image is no more an innocent cartoon figure, than would be a Klansman (or noose) image.
 
As such, the administration's lack of courage to hold firm on the policy of the "no Chief logo or imagery" represents another assault to Native Americans and all people of color who have suffered and continue to suffer humiliation, disregard, and exploitation, at the hands of those with decision-making power in this institution.
 
The lack of backbone shown by the administration on this issue and the lack of consistent administrative commitment to counter the further racialization of Native Americans on this university campus is truly disappointing and disheartening. 
 
Please understand that it is not that we fail to recognize that this is a tough issue for administration; but it will never compare with the humiliation, frustration, and exploitation that so many students, faculty, staff, and administrators of color must contend with on a daily basis, as a consequence of racism, power, and privilege on this campus and in the surrounding community.
 
Hence, this administrative decision is a betrayal to all those who have struggled tirelessly for decades to change this policy.  So Chancellor, for how long will we need to be subjected to such immorality and disgrace?  How long more will we be treated like step-children of the powerful overseers of this institution?
 
How can we believe that we have a place in this so-called Inclusive Illinois, when we can't even depend on the administration to act with dignity and respect, on such an important issue?
 
Historically, public institutional expressions of racism in this society have only changed when people had the courage, dignity, and love to stand against such immorality.  With so many colleges and universities across this country showing real commitment and wherewithal in stopping the use of "Indian" mascots, why not UIUC?  How can such a prestigious university allow itself to behave so backward, in the face of so much suffering?
  
Respectfully,
Prof. Antonia Darder