apr 1, 1995 - State legislators approve bill making the Chief official symbol of UI

Description:

April-July: State legislators approve bill introduced by new state Rep. Rick Winkel, R-Champaign, making Chief official symbol of UI. But Gov. Jim Edgar uses amendatory veto to change wording so that decision rests with the university.

Dec. 1: Department of Education rules that Chief does not violate civil rights of American Indians but urges UI to take "proactive steps" to prevent hostile climate.