As bill proposing bans of Native American mascots progresses, area schools grapple with future
- Jonathan Michel
- 12 hours ago
- 5 min read
PEORIA — Schools’ mascot names are often as synonymous as a town’s name itself. But what happens if that identity is called into question?
That’s what many schools in Illinois are waiting on an answer for, after Illinois lawmakers passed Illinois House Bill 1237 — which bans of Native American-themed nicknames, mascots and imagery — by a 71-40 margin in the House of Representatives on April 10.
The bill, put forth by Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, would affect the Brimfield Indians and Deer Creek-Mackinaw Chiefs, as well as dozens of other schools in the state.
It would eliminate school mascots that have ‘the name of a federally recognized tribe, a historical Native American person or tribal group, Redskins, Braves, Chiefs, Chieftains, Tribe, Indians, or any synonymous term.’
Rep. Travis Weaver, R-Edwards, has close ties to the Brimfield district and opposes the bill. The 93rd district, which he represents, is home to Brimfield, as well as the Annawan Braves.
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