Is Illiniwek academic freedom?
The students portraying Chief Illiniwek have a funded scholarship and receive class credit, according to Smith.
He pointed out that, just like at any university, the Marching Illini are a music ensemble. The class is a rehearsal. And the pregame and halftime shows at athletic events represent an exhibition of the course content, like a test in academic-type classes, Smith said.
3 comments:
I blogged about Chief Illiniwek today, too. Seems that the NCAA is right up there with repressive regimes in denying freedom and speech and freedom of expression.
"eems that the NCAA is right up there with repressive regimes in denying freedom and speech and freedom of expression."
Say what? The NCAA is NOT the government and nobody has a constitutional right to play in bowl games. People can say or display whatever small-minded, bigoted offensive moronic stereotypical thing that happens to hop into their little heads. And I would fight for their right to do so. But universities who wish to be part of the NCAA must abide by its rules. If you work for McDonalds, do you think you have the constitutional right to wear a Burger King t-shirt to work?
Local Crank is correct. The NCAA sanctions aren't a free-speech issue. If a university doesn't want to abide by the NCAA's rules, it's free to opt out of the NCAA's post-season tournaments.
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