University of Illinois appeals decision in mascot case
By The Associated Press
10.16.02
URBANA, Ill. — The University of Illinois is appealing a judgment against the school in a First Amendment case involving Chief Illiniwek, the school's mascot.
Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union is seeking almost $309,000 in attorney's fees from the university in the case.
The ACLU sued the school on behalf of four university faculty members and one former student. In July, each plaintiff was awarded $1,000 by U.S. District Court Judge Michael Mihm of Peoria.
Mihm found they were injured when former Chancellor Michael Aiken issued an e-mail prohibiting students and faculty from contacting athletic recruits about Chief Illiniwek without first getting approval from the athletic department.
Many say the mascot is an offensive caricature of Native American people and culture. Supporters say the symbol honors the Indians who inhabited Illinois.
University spokeswoman Robin Kaler said the amount the school might have to pay for attorney's fees is one reason it decided to appeal.
Some of the plaintiffs have questioned the school's decision to fight the lawsuit.
"It's not only the expense. They have been told four separate times their case has no legal merit. Why they are persisting is beyond me," said Stephen Kaufman, a cell and molecular biology professor and one of the plaintiffs.
Ed Yohnka, communications director for the ACLU of Illinois, said the group believes the position it took will be upheld on appeal.