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To the editor: In August 2005, the Executive Committee of the
National Collegiate Athletic Association decreed 18 of its member
schools to be "hostile and abusive" due to their use of Native
American nicknames, imagery or mascots. Since that time, the board
of trustees at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has
engaged the NCAA Executive Committee and administration through
several letters and two formal appeals -- both of which were denied.
Although the future of the Chief Illiniwek tradition still has to
be resolved by the University of Illinois and its stakeholders,
allowing the NCAA -- or any similar body -- to insert itself into
that process denies member autonomy, and in this case, violates the
rights of the people for whom the institution is named. Each citizen
of every state is now potential prey to the arrogance of the NCAA.
[to top of second column in this letter]
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Because this action has created a precedent that potentially
threatens other institutions and other states, legislation been
introduced into Congress to stop the intrusive actions of the NCAA.
House Resolution 5289, called the Protection of University
Governance Act of 2006, would not include or preclude any policy or
position, but it does enforce state rights to self-determination.
When passed, the law will return the NCAA to its rightful role as a
sports monitor and not social engineer.
Whether or not you have a personal interest in the issue of
Native American nicknames, imagery or mascots, citizens who agree
with HR 5289, and want to preserve state sovereignty as allowed by
federal law, should let their voices be heard. Please contact your
congressman and senators today. Background information and action
steps are outlined at
www.stopncaa.com.
Roger Huddleston
Co-founder, Honor the Chief Society
Mahomet
(Posted July 14, 2006)
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