University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The items in the Digital Collections of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library contain materials which represent or depict sensitive topics or were written from perspectives using outdated or biased language. The Library condemns discrimination and hatred on any grounds. As a research library that supports the mission and values of this land grant institution, it is incumbent upon the University Library to preserve, describe, and provide access to materials to accurately document our past, support learning about it, and effect change in the present. In accordance with the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read statement, we do not censor our materials or prevent patrons from accessing them.

If you have questions regarding this statement or any content in the Library’s digital collections, please contact digitalcollections@lists.illinois.edu

American Library Association’s Freedom to Read Statement

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at the University Library

External Videotapes Records (Digital Surrogates)

Digital Surrogates from the External Videotapes Records, contains a digitized video relating to the University from outside of University sources. Available online, this series includes a video of Hobo Parade activities, track and field games, and Football games with marching band circa 1923.

This series also includes a copy of the Oprah Winfrey Show, "Pompom Squads: Sex Objects?" broadcasted in February, 1990; covers the controversy concerning negative repercussions of college cheerleading and dance team squads, specifically UIUC's Ilinettes, its relationship with sexual crimes on campus, the debate over the University sponsoring the Illinettes dance team; gender debates about sexism, sexual objectification of women's bodies through dance teams and their outfits, Illinettes dance team being a sexual provocation or a sports practice; as well as the relationship between sexual abuse, alcohol problems in campus and practices held in fraternity and sororities organizations. Please contact the archives to gain access to this content.

This collection is managed by the University of Illinois Archives and does not feature precise descriptive information for each item. Discover its contents by browsing the folders and files. For more information, contact an archivist at illiarch@illinois.edu.