Two Illinois Republicans Call For Changes At Hononegah High School

Press Release

(4-19-25) State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) and State Representative John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) are urging the Hononegah Community High School Board to join concerned parents and community members in taking a stand to reverse a shocking policy that allows a biological male to use the girls’ locker room.

Senator Chesney

“This is insanity, and it has to stop. I understand the predicament that Governor Pritzker and his allies have put schools in by forcing a woke agenda upon them, but the fact remains, no young girl should have to change with a biological male. It’s traumatic. It’s abusive. It’s insane. And it’s a complete betrayal of our community’s values and parents’ trust.”

Cabello added-

“Pushing woke nonsense at the expense of girls’ safety and privacy is unacceptable,” added Rep. Cabello. “We will not sit idly by and allow this radical gender ideology to stand.”

The legislators pointed to President Trump’s recent executive order, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which requires schools receiving federal funds to base access to locker rooms and sports teams strictly on biological sex.

Sen. Chesney and Rep. Cabello are calling on the Hononegah School Board to work with them, parents, and the broader community to correct course and prioritize the well-being of local families.

Cabello said-

“Hononegah has historically been a point of pride in this region,” said Cabello. “But on this issue, they’ve taken a serious and deeply disappointing step in the wrong direction. The board must act immediately to change course.”

Chesney and Cabello are asking the board to suspend the current policy, reinstate privacy protections for female students, and begin a dialogue with families to ensure students feels safe and respected.

Senator Chesney

“Parents are rightfully outraged because this isn’t hard: Girls’ locker rooms are for girls. We stand with them 100 percent in fighting this unacceptable injustice that has been created by Governor Pritzker’s woke ideology.”

Chesney and Cabello said-

“We stand with the parents of Hononegah.The safety, privacy, and dignity of young women is non-negotiable. The school board must take decisive action, and we are prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure they do.”

Mascots

Both also made statements on the recent Native American mascot for schools-