West Commends House Passage of Legislation to Eliminate Harmful Native American Mascots

ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Illinois House of Representatives passed HB1237, legislation that prohibits Illinois public K-12 schools from using a Native American name, logo, or mascot. The legislation now goes to the Illinois State Senate where it must pass before heading to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk for final approval into law.

“Schools should foster empathy, understanding, and inclusion. Using offensive, discriminatory, or stereotypical Native American mascots is outdated and harmful,” said Assistant Majority Leader and HB1237 Chief Sponsor State Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford).  “I’m proud of the collaborative work we have done in recent years with the Native American community and local school districts to create legislation that is both respectful and fiscally responsible.”

“This bill honors all people and acknowledges the financial realities schools face when changing mascots,” said West. “Ultimately, it’s about showing respect for Native American Illinoisans, who have shaped our state into what it is today. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this bill across the finish line.”

HB1237 defines prohibited school mascots based on federally recognized tribes, historical Native American people or groups, or other characteristics. It allows schools to continue to use previously-purchased uniforms and other materials that include Native American mascots until 2030 if the school selects a new mascot and refrains from purchasing new materials with the prohibited mascot. If a school facility bears a prohibited name, logo, or mascot, the school is required to update that facility the next time it is remodeled or replaced.

Schools with team names of a federally recognized tribe or historical Native American person can continue to use its current team name and an agreed upon logo and mascot if written consent is obtained from that federally recognized tribe or the federally recognized tribe from which the historical Native American person was a member. This consent must also include a partnership with the tribe to provide substantive learning opportunities, as well as school policies that ensure slurs, offensive imagery, caricatures, and fake Native American behaviors are not allowed in learning environments. Written consent must be given every five years, and the legislation provides procedures should that consent agreement end. 

The legislation passed by a vote of 71-40. It now goes to the Illinois State Senate, where it must pass before going to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk for final approval.

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND

There are currently two pieces of legislation that have passed the Illinois House of Representatives related to school mascots. This bill, HB1237, relates to Native American mascots. Another separate piece of legislation, HB3527, relates to mascots that are representative of an individual or group based on disability. State Rep. Maurice West is the chief sponsor of both pieces of legislation, which are now both pending in the Illinois State Senate.

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