Debate about Chief Illiniwek, symbol of the University of Illinois, is unfolding not in football stadiums or basketball arenas, but the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives.

Sen. Paul Simon argues the chief’s ritual dance, a 63-year-old tradition of dignity and respect, is demeaning to Native Americans. Simon’s stance is weak at best, as illustrated by his lukewarm statement favoring “further discussion that could eventually lead to a new mascot for the university.”

The accusations would be different if the chief’s dance included tripping over his authentic headdress in a blatantly negative portrayal of Indian ritual. But the stately ceremony Chief Illiniwek leads at school sports events could not be considered insulting to even the most extreme viewer.

Ousting the chief would set a laughable and regrettable example for the review of other school and professional mascots. What about the Washington Redskins or the Florida State University Seminoles? They represent Indians, but do they incense spectators as well?

How about the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers? We are just waiting for some bandwagon wacko out there to emerge with their vehement defense of this blasphemous misrepresentation of our nation’s farmers. Chief Illiniwek and similar mascots attempt to serve as tributes to the groups they represent and should be seen that way.