Illinois legislation banning Native American mascots creates controversy

Some are calling out a recently passed bill in the Illinois House aimed at banning the use of native-themed school mascots and logos as an unserious mandate that places a political agenda over real outcomes.

The measure allows schools to continue to use previously purchased uniforms and other materials that include Native American mascots until 2030. If a school facility bears a prohibited name, logo, or mascot, the school would be required to update that facility the next time it is remodeled or replaced.

“For 20 years, the American Psychological Association has encouraged us to get rid of these mascots for the sake of the mental health of our young people,” said state Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, the bill’s sponsor.

About 90 school districts would be affected by the ban.

State Rep. CD Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, said the mascots are part of history.

“Our communities celebrate these as a representation of our athletics, our courage and our bravery and all these different things, and you want to get rid of it because some random person wants to be offended by something,” said Davidsmeyer.

State Rep. John Cabello, R-Machesney Park, slammed the mascot bill, calling it political theatre and said Illinois families deserve real solutions, not costly mandates.

“We’re talking about a forced mandate that comes with no funding,” said Cabello. “Schools will have to pay out of pocket to repaint logos, rebrand team materials, and replace signage. That’s money that could be going to classrooms and teachers, not some woke rebranding project.”

The Rockford-area lawmaker offered alternatives for schools that wish to voluntarily move away from native-themed mascots, such as shortening team names, adjusting school colors, and other approaches that avoid excessive costs and disruptions.

The measure will now be considered by the Senate, where state Sen. Chris Balkema, R-Channahon, vowed to oppose it.

“These mascots have been a source of pride, tradition and identity for decades. They reflect local history and school spirit, not hate or harm,” he said in a statement.