Don't blame mascot for problems

To the editor:

It is quite refreshing to see the University of Illinois fight to keep its Indian mascot, especially in light of Southeast Missouri State University's decision to abandon its traditions because it felt it damaged the school's ability to promote the school and grow.

I wonder how on earth the University of Illinois managed to create a school with a larger enrollment, better sports teams, more subject areas, more prestigious graduates and a higher profile in general while burdened with an Indian mascot.

Actually, it makes the point clear. Southeast's problems are not linked to its former mascot but how the school functioned and its failure to promote itself. I am a 1995 Southeast graduate.

JEFF SLINKARD, Imperial, Mo.