NIU’s cheerleaders and pompon squad members fumed at a University of Illinois report that pompon squads promote sexism.

A U of I task force recommends banning the Illinette pompon squad because it “projects women as sexual objects.” The Illinettes, an all-female pompon squad similar to NIU’s Silverettes, perform dance routines at football and basketball games.

Silverette Coach Renea Nuxoll disagreed with the report. “You cannot say male students commit sexual assaults because they saw 28 girls dancing at a basketball game without evidence,” Nuxoll said.

“I want the squad to be seen as professional,” she said. “I want students to see a squad which looks good together and say, ‘My God, they dance well.'”

Nuxoll said the task force singled out the Illinettes because they are in the public eye, making them an easy target. She has never been told by NIU administration that the Silverettes have done anything provocative, she said.

NIU cheerleader Leddy Williams said if the Illinettes are banned, all other school dancers would have to be banned. “They pick on the Illinettes because of the dance moves. Part of dancing is performing moves which some people may see as provocative,” she said.

NIU Cheerleading Coach Renee Esgar agreed some people might be offended by the less conservative dance moves.

“I’ve seen the Illinettes perform before and they are very talented. I was really surprised that they were becoming targets” in the report, Esgar said.

Nuxoll said she sent a letter of protest signed by herself and the Silverettes to Stanley Levy, the U of I vice chancellor who formed the task force.

NIU Band Director Frank Bibb said the Silverettes promote good entertainment. “It is certain in my mind that they are not promoting sexism in any way,” Bibb said.

Nuxoll said she chose the Silverettes uniforms for basketball performances and the football season uniforms were picked by a former Silverette coach.