The Illinois legislative session concluded recently in Springfield without passage of a controversial bill.
The measure known as the "Mascot Bill" would have banned Native-American symbols and mascots from K-12 schools in the state and force those school affected to change their mascots and logos by the year 2030. The mandate would have increased costs for school systems to make those changes, causing concerns. One of the over 100 school districts across the state that would be directly involved would be Lawrence County Unit #20 with its Indians and Braves nicknames and logos. The bill did pass out of the Illinois House but died in committee in the Senate.
Supporters say that the mascots, nicknames and logos demean Native Americans and need to be changed. It is possible that the measure could be revived in the upcoming fall veto session.
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