Neoga superintendent speaks out against Illinois bill that would ban indigenous mascots
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A bill aiming to end the usage of mascots depicting Indigenous people and people with disabilities in K-12 public schools cleared one chamber of the Illinois legislature.
The bills' House sponsor is Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford). He's worked on this proposal with the indigenous community and several school districts for several years to come up with a respectful yet fiscally responsible plan.
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'This bill honors all people and acknowledges the financial realities schools face when changing mascots,' West said. 'Ultimately, it's about showing respect for Native American Illinoisans, who have shaped our state into what it is today. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this bill across the finish line.'
Superintendent of the Neoga School District Kevin Haarman took to Facebook to demand the community contacts senators, as he opposes the bill.
'Our Indian mascot is a symbol of pride, honor, and respect for the heritage and culture it represents,' Haarman said. 'We believe decisions regarding our school's identity, including our mascot, should remain under local control, reflecting the values and traditions of our community.'
Haarman also said changing the mascot would be a 'significant financial burden' as they would need to replace athletic facilities, uniforms and signage. He argues that money could be better spent on students.
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If the bill is signed into law, schools like Neoga could use previously-purchased gear until 2030, but could not buy anything new with that mascot.
Additionally, schools can use mascots of a tribe or a famous Indigenous person if they get the consent from that federally recognized tribe. They will need to have learning partnerships with the tribe as well as policies to cut down on offensive portrayals. Additionally, school districts need to renew the written permission with the tribe every five years.
Other school districts in Central Illinois that would be affected include Mt. Zion, Tuscola, Watseka, Nokomis, and Sullivan.
The bill passed along party lines 71-40.
A similar bill also bans mascots based on people with disabilities also passed Thursday. A school in Freeburg in St. Clair County has a mascot based around a slur for people with dwarfism.
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