Student Body President Brock Gebhardt said he will introduce legislation to “forever preserve” the University of Illinois’ identity as the Fighting Illini at the first Illinois Student Senate meeting of the spring semester.

This legislation coincides with conversation on registered student organization Campus Spirit Revival’s efforts to bring a new mascot to the University, which senators expect to be discussed in length Wednesday.

Gebhardt said he’s heard concerns from people that the University may be changing its sports teams’ names along with its mascot change. With this legislation, he said he wants to make sure he preserves that legacy.

“In a changing world, we need to honor our past traditions and I think the name Illini is something that unites us all,” he said. “It’s something that brings us all together. I just want to address the concerns that people have that people are worried about losing it.”

Senators also expect much public comment around the new mascot decision process.

Shao Guo, vice president-internal, said there are no resolutions for action, but he expects many members of the public to comment on Campus Spirit Revival. He said the senate expects students on both sides of the new mascot proposal to come forward, and said ISS can serve as a forum for that discussion. But he disagreed that ISS should take sides in the debate. 

“Either way, the ISS is a representative body, and it is my opinion that we should not take a stance on this issue. It’s not our job,” he said. “It is in my belief that student government in this case should be the clearinghouse since there is a divided opinion of students on the new mascot.”  

Ryan Young, vice president-external, said it will be interesting to see how this process plays out.

“Even if there is a vote it doesn’t mean the board of trustees will approve it, or that students and alumni will come to consensus on the new mascot,” he said. “It’s really just a trial process.”

Tyler can be reached at [email protected].