URBANA, Ill. – A Champaign attorney argues the University of Illinois violated state law by doing away with Chief Illiniwek and filed a lawsuit Monday to save the American Indian mascot.

In his lawsuit, John Gadau cites a 1996 state statute in which the General Assembly declared “Chief Illiniwek is, and may remain, the honored symbol” of the University.

When University Board of Trustees Chairman Lawrence Eppley in February announced the end of the Chief’s performances at sports events, Gadau argues, Eppley and the Board of Trustees violated that statute.

Gadau’s lawsuit, filed in Champaign County Circuit Court, asks a judge to nullify last month’s decision.

Board spokesman Tom Hardy declined comment, saying he hadn’t seen a copy of the lawsuit.

The decision to stop the Chief’s performances ended 81 years of University tradition, but also lifted a two-year-old NCAA sanction that barred the Illini from hosting postseason sports.

The mascot has long offended activists and some American Indians, who say the Chief is demeaning.

Backers call the Chief an honorable tradition.

The board is expected to consider a resolution Tuesday that would end the use of the name Chief Illiniwek and the image, which is licensed to companies that make hats, shirts and other Chief-themed paraphernalia.