(4-11-25) Two bills have passed the Illinois of House of Representatives that would force schools to eliminate their current mascots.
An Illinois House bill that would prohibit schools from using names, logos or mascots associated with Native Americans, including specific tribes, is headed to the Illinois Senate.
Bill to ban Native American mascots passes Illinois House
Illinois House Bill 1237 passed in the House on Thursday with a vote of 71-40.
What would schools need to do next?
Names of federally recognized tribes and historical Native American people Mascots depicting Native Americans Imagery associated with Native American people, such as feathered headdresses, tomahawks and arrowheads Terms like “Redskins, Braves, Chiefs, Chieftains, Tribe, Indians, or any synonymous term, logo or mascot depicting Native Americans”
The amended legislation would allow a school to continue using the name of a federally recognized tribe, and an agreed upon logo and mascot, so long as the tribe gives permission. The tribe and the school must also partner to create policies that prohibit slurs, stereotypes and other offensive portrayals.
If passed…a school will be able to use uniforms or other materials purchased before the legislation’s effective date that feature the name, logo or mascot until September 2030 so long as they don’t acquire any more of such materials. The school must select a new name, logo or mascot by July 1, 2026.
If a school facility has a prohibited name, logo, or mascot, the school would be required to update that facility the next time it is remodeled or replaced.
House Bill 3527 would prohibit schools from using a name, logo, or mascot that is derogatory or representative of a disabled individual or group.
The particular school that is being highlighted in passing this bill is Freeburg High School and their mascot the “Midgets”. The school is located in state Rep. Kevin Schmidt’s district, who said the community is proud of the mascot.
Rep. Kevin Schmidt stands with the Freeburg community and opposes HB3527
Representative Kevin Schmidt, R-Millstadt said –
“It’s going to blow up. It’s not going to have the effect that you want. This is a local issue, the local school board should be voting on it, not the state overreaching.”
The bill passed 71-38 in the House and if passed by the Senate, the law would require schools to adopt a new mascot by September 1st, 2028.
The legislation now goes to the Illinois State Senate that is controlled by the Democrat Party, where it must pass before being sent to Democrat Governor JB Pritzker’s desk for final approval into law.
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ILLINOIS – (April 2022) IHSA Board To Look At Adding A Policy To The Use Of Native American Mascots
Hononegah Students Battle Over Mascot Change
OHIO – Miller, Miranda call on Ohio’s Schools to Retire the Use of Native American Mascots
Cincinnati Country Day Drops Indians Mascot…Selects Nighthawks To Replace It
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