Latest news with #FreeburgHighSchool
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Illinois bill may end Freeburg High's mascot tradition
FREEBURG, Ill. – A long-standing mascot tradition in Freeburg, Illinois, could soon come to an end, as a new bill in the Illinois General Assembly would ban school mascots that reference disabilities. For nearly nine decades, Freeburg High School has proudly been the home of the Mighty Midgets. While some say the name is outdated and offensive, others argue it's a proud part of the town's history. 'It's a tradition that's been going on since the thirties and was not meant to be disrespectful,' said Madlynn Robbs, Freeburgh High School employee. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The bill states that schools must remove all mascots, logos and imagery related to the name and select a new mascot. The mascot's origin date backs to the '30s, when a local sportswriter coined the nickname after the basketball team—despite having no player taller than 5-foot-10—defeated a much taller, undefeated opponent. Advocacy groups, like Mascots Matter, pushed for years to remove the mascot, arguing it is offensive to people with Dwarfism. And while some Freeburg residents are outspoken, others fear backlash for supporting the change. 'I don't think it's necessary to change it after all these years. I mean, I live right across the street from the high school and we always see the sign and it doesn't offend us at all. And after all these years, I think it would be very odd to change it,' said resident Bonnie McCain. No one would know who it is.' Locals stated that a few years ago, members of Little People of America protested outside the school, urging the district to reconsider the name. Residents propose that a local election should determine the reconsideration of the name. Man arrested for threat to kill St. Louis mayor, others: Records 'If our town voted on this at the next election thing we have, then fine. If the majority agrees, we should get rid of it,' Robbs said. 'That's fine but i don't think people feel that way. People are proud of the midgets! I don't mean that to be condescending!' If passed, the legislation would not only impact Freeburg but four other schools with the same mascot by 2028. Freeburg has not yet commented on whether it will fight to keep the name or prepare for change. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Illinois schools may be forced to change mascots under proposed law
The Brief A proposed Illinois law would prohibit public schools from using mascots with derogatory names for people with disabilities. Freeburg High School's mascot, the "Midgets," has drawn criticism from disability rights activists. The school has resisted past calls to change the mascot, but the new legislation could force a change by 2028. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A new bill introduced in the Illinois legislature could require schools across the state to change mascots that reference disabilities in a derogatory way. The proposal comes as Freeburg High School, located about 25 miles from St. Louis, faces renewed criticism over its mascot, the "Midgets." What we know The activist group Mascots Matter filed a complaint in January with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, arguing that Freeburg's mascot violates federal anti-discrimination laws and offends people with dwarfism. The school prominently features the mascot's name and cartoonish imagery on buildings, its website, and social media. In response to the complaint, a Democratic lawmaker from Rockford introduced a bill that would ban public schools from using mascots that include derogatory terms for people with disabilities. The backstory This is not the first time Freeburg High School has faced pressure to retire its mascot. In 2014, the national organization Little People of America urged the school board to change the name, calling it derogatory, objectifying, and dehumanizing. However, the school ultimately kept the mascot after strong community support for its tradition. What's next The proposed legislation will now move through the Illinois General Assembly. If passed, the law would give schools, including Freeburg, until 2028 to phase out old logos, uniforms, and other materials.
