Students for Chief Illiniwek is running into hurdles as the group tries to plan its Nov. 15 event at Assembly Hall.

University administration sent a letter to Roberto Martell, the Registered Student Organization’s president, writing that the words “Chief Illiniwek” could not be used in the name of the event because it was a trademark of the University.

“The University still owns the name, and we will continue to own that name,” said Robin Kaler, spokeswoman for the University.

Because of the University’s ownership of the name, individuals and groups are not allowed to sell or manufacture anything displaying the name or logo of Chief Illiniwek, Kaler said.

“I did find it interesting that we couldn’t use our own RSO’s name,” Martell said. “Especially at a University that is all about free speech.”

The group is planning to hold its event at Assembly Hall immediately following that Saturday’s football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The original name of the event was “Students for Chief Illiniwek Presents the Next Dance,” but the University administration informed Martell that the words “Chief Illiniwek” could not be used, said Paul Schmitt, student trustee and former president of the RSO.

Schmitt said the University seems to be contradicting itself by saying it does not endorse Chief Illiniwek, but then continues to enforce the trademark.

Schmitt said he was approached by Martell and other members of the RSO to act as a mediator between the group and the administration.

“I got involved when students came to me when the University wasn’t complying,” Schmitt said. “They wanted to have someone intervene on their behalf.”

The University administration changed the name of their event to “Students for the Chief Presents: the Next Dance,” Schmitt said.

The event will feature speakers and a multimedia presentation highlighting the history of Chief Illiniwek.

In addition, Logan Ponce, the group’s current portrayer of Chief Illiniwek, will perform the traditional dance, Martell said.

“Essentially the Chief is coming back,” Schmitt said.

The RSO rented out Assembly Hall for a fee of $4,500, which does not include expenses. Martell said money was raised through fundraising efforts.

All 16,500 seats will be available for people attending the event, and while Martell said he does not know how many people have tickets already, he hopes a substantial number of people will attend.

Tickets are free to students and $5 to non-students.

“We need to give this back to the students and our community,” Martell said. “We’re using this even to basically keep the tradition going.”