The Kingfisher
ENDORSEMENTS
In addition to broad support from students, alumni, and community members, the Kingfisher is proudly endorsed by the following public interest groups and notable individuals. Are you interested in endorsing the Kingfisher or our democratic efforts to bring a new mascot to our campus? Reach out to our email!
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National Indian
Education Association
"It is time for the University of Illinois to support a new identity that is truly representative of the values that define its mission to enhance the lives of citizens in Illinois, across the nation and around the world through our leadership in learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development."
National Congress of American Indians
"...we understand a mascot replacement proposal has garnered significant support, including passing a campus-wide referendum and faculty vote. NCAI is supportive of the democratic process employed to select a replacement mascot for the University, and sees such a selection as a positive step forward for the University of Illinois community."
Read the full endorsement here.
Association on American
Indian Affairs
"The Association is supportive of a replacement mascot for the University, and views such a selection as a positive step forward and an opportunity for the University to be part of healing past harms both in Indian Country and within the University community... The Association is inspired by your community’s efforts to address past harm and its dedication to finding a suitable replacement moving forward."
Read the full endorsement here.
UIUC Graduate Employees Oraganization
"[GEO] enthusiastically endorses the prompt adoption of the Kingfisher as the new mascot of [UIUC]. The continued status of “no mascot” only serves to proliferate “unsanctioned” and de facto usage of the former, racist mascot. Adoption of the Kingfisher signals that such displays are no longer acceptable at the University of Illinois.
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Hail to the Belted Kingfisher? She'd be a fine mascot for the University of Illinois
American Indian Center of Chicago
The American Indian Center stands in full support of adopting the Kingfisher as the new mascot of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Mascot Hall of Fame -- Founder
"We urge the University administration and Board of Trustees to endorse and invest in the project..."
Champaign Audobon Society
"We believe this is the best option for the next mascot of the university, and our hope is that those still involved will decide in favor of this mascot"
Native American Rights Fund
"...students and members of the University of Illinois community have worked diligently to establish an inclusive mascot for the University..."
American Indian Science and Engineering Society
"...AISES enthusiastically endorses the use of the Belted Kingfisher image as the University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign's (UIUC) new mascot."
