Schools across Illinois such as Lawrenceville, Wayne City, Johnston City, DuQuoin, Casey-Westfield, Trenton-Wesclin, and Steeleville would have to change their team name, mascot and logo, if HB 1237 passes the Illinois Senate and gets signed into law.
The controversial bill has passed the Illinois House in Springfield Thursday by a vote of 71-40. This could be costly to the K-12 schools affected. It would essentially be a mandate that comes with no funding. Schools would have to pay out of pocket to repaint logos, rebrand team materials, uniforms, and replace signage.
If signed into law, the bill would allow schools to keep using uniforms and materials with Native American symbols or imagery through the year 2030. However, schools must create a plan to change their mascot or name by July 1st, 2026.
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