Most members of the board of trustees of the University of Illinois have expressed support for the school's mascot, Chief Illiniwek, which has become a lightning rod in the discussion of racism on the campus.

Board chairman Gerald Shea said he would appoint a committee to further study the issue following an hour-long discussion broadcast over the Internet by WILL-AM, the campus radio station. The Native American Bar Association has indicated it may seek an injunction against the mascot, who performs at half-time at sporting events, dressed in regalia donated by the Sioux. Supporters of the chief argue he is meant to honor the state's original inhabitants.

Meanwhile, at the University of North Dakota, the college's nickname, "the Fighting Sioux", is dividing the campus. Ralph Engelstad, a casino owner and alumnus, threatened to abandon the $35 million he already has put into a new ice-hockey arena for the college if the school drops its nickname.