Illinois bill would ban schools from using Native American mascots, logos

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) – If you’ve played sports in school or ever attended a sporting event, you can’t miss one of the things representing the team: their mascot. Many in Central Illinois have Native American ones.

“A lot of people look at this within the lens of tradition, and I understand and respect that: however, I ask them to look within a lens of empathy as well, because there are indigenous young people who look at these Native American mascots and imagery and feel some type of way about it,” State Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford), said. “It makes them feel less than, it makes them feel objectified.”

West is sponsoring legislation banning Native American mascots, logos, and names, meaning those that have them would have to change. It would give school districts until September 2027 to make the change.

This isn’t the first time West has tried to pass this kind of legislation and the current bill isn’t moving forward this legislative session, but West said he is committed to seeing it through.

“Sometimes bills such as this take years,” West said. “I don’t know what the future holds when it comes to how long it will take for it to pass, but I’m committed not only to get it passed, but to have the meaningful conversations so that everyone can get on board with this piece of legislation.”

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Still, school superintendents like Kevin Haarman are calling on lawmakers to oppose the bill.

“Many schools within the state have adopted native names, logos, or mascots as symbols of pride and respect for indigenous heritage,” Haarman, the superintendent of Neoga Schools, wrote in a letter to lawmakers. “Banning these symbols could inadvertently erase cultural representations that hold deep significance for both students and community members.”

Haarman also said the change would come with a big price tag for their school district.

“The transition period provided until September 1, 2027, may not be sufficient for schools to implement the necessary changes, including redesigning uniforms, signage, and other materials,” Haarman wrote in the letter. “This could result in significant financial burdens and logistical challenges for our already resource-constrained schools. Current estimates for our district exceed $500,000.”

The Thomasboro School Board previously attempted to change their mascot but that initiative failed.

In a statement to WCIA, Bonnie McArthur, the Thomasboro Grade School superintendent, said, “The district is aware of the current House Bill, which would ban the use of the Indian as the school mascot. If the legislation were to become law the district will re-evaluate the use of the mascot and what steps would need to be taken to comply with the law.”

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Native American organizations and groups have largely expressed support for the bill.

“We would want to set the tone for the children in those settings, to make sure that they aren’t unknowingly being influenced by situations that can promote negative interpretations of a group of people,” Raphael Wahwassuck, a member of the tribal council for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, said.

Wahwassuck pointed to a 2005 study from the American Psychological Association, calling for the retirement of American Indian mascots, which explained that it can have a negative impact on not just Native American students, but all students.

“They reduce self esteem for Native American students,” Wahwassuck said. “It brings down their belief in the community, and it also affects their belief in what they can achieve.”

But Becky Clayton-Anderson, a former Sullivan basketball player who is also part Native American, doesn’t see it that way.

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“I do not feel like schools need to change their mascots,” Clayton-Anderson said. “I feel very strongly that in doing so, people are just trying to eradicate Native Americans even more. I tell everyone, we’re the minority of all minorities, and to get rid of these mascots just further erases the presence of Native Americans.”

Many schools in Central Illinois would have to change their mascot, name or logo if this bill became law. That includes schools in communities like Mt. Zion, Tuscola, Watseka, Nokomis, and Sullivan.

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