Anti-Illiniwek sign damaged

Damage to art outside Native American House valued at $10,000A sign doubling as part of the "Beyond the Chief" exhibit outside of the Native American Studies building was damaged between Sunday evening and Monday afternoon.

The sign is valued at $10,000, according to the University police report. No arrests or citations have been issued in connection with the damage.

University police said it appeared as if someone had bent the sign, possibly using a shoulder.

The sign is a part of an exhibit by HOCK E AYE VI Edgar Heap of Birds and was designed to "remind the campus community whose land they occupy", according to the Native American House Web site. The signs represent 12 different indigenous peoples with homelands in Illinois.Comment:  I'd bet money that the person who damaged the sign is a disgruntled Chief Illiniwek fan. I take this as further evidence that mascot lovers have no respect for real Indians.

For more on the subject, see Team Names and Mascots.