Latest news with #MascotsMatter
CBS News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
2 bills aimed at banning offensive, discriminatory mascots at Illinois schools stalls in State Senate
Two bills aimed at mascots in Illinois high schools have temporarily stalled in the state's senate, but lawmakers say the legislation likely isn't going away anytime soon. One of those bills includes to ban the use of Native American mascots and imagery while the other wants to ban the use of discriminatory disability mascots. Some state house lawmakers expressed concerns over cost to local school districts, like downstate Freeburg. According to the high school's website, its athletic teen has been as the "Mighty Midgets" since the 1930's. "The team is named because of history. because of what went on there and so that's honoring them," Rep. Charlie Meier said "You could be playing another individual at another school who has dwarfism and imagine what that student feels when you are chanting your mascot," Co-director of Mascot's Matter Shelby Holloway said. an extension has been requested for the bill banning the use of discriminatory disability mascots... in hopes to assign it to committee before the end of session.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Illinois House passes bill to ban derogatory disability mascots
Editor's note: This video is from March 10, 2025 FREEBURG, Ill. – An Illinois House Bill, which seeks to prohibit disability mascots, has moved its way to the Senate, following a 71-38 vote. For its third reading, the Illinois General Assembly met on April 8 to discuss HB 3527, which was filed by Representative Maurice A. West II. This bill would create a Prohibition of Discriminatory Disability Mascots Act. From the bill's language, this act would restrict a public education institution from the adoption or continued use of discriminatory disabled mascots. Five public schools in the United States use the 'Midget' name for their mascots. One of the schools that sport the image is Freeburg High School, known as the 'Mighty Midgets' for nine decades. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Back in March, the school faced many forms of pushback for its name among community members and advocacy groups like Mascots Matters. Others, however, argued that the 'Mighty Midgets' name was not meant to be offensive. '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 previously in March. No one would know who it is.' The mascot's name originates back to the '30s, when a sportswriter gave inspiration to the nickname after Freeburg High's basketball team—despite having no player taller than 5-foot-10—defeated a much taller, yet undefeated opponent. With the House Bill moving to the Senate, advocates like Rachel Wherley reflected on the matter with FOX2Now today. Wherley is also the founder and co-director of Mascots Matter, a grassroots organization that advocates for inclusivity. '(I was feeling) very emotional,' Wherley explained. 'I am a stay-at-home mom and I have achondroplasia dwarfism.' According to Wherley, the controversy surrounding Freeburg High's mascot identity, the 'Mighty Midgets,' is a 'school board issue' when it comes to addressing the sensitivity of the name. Wherley says she and her group brought forward concerns about Freeburg High's name to the school board. 'It's a school board issue, but its members refuse to act,' Wherley said. Missouri's General Municipal Election Results FOX2Now reached out to Freeburg High's administration, including its superintendent, principal and assistant principal in response to Wherley's claims and is awaiting a response. Mascots Matter, however, expressed appreciation for the Illinois House of Representatives' decision:'This bill marks a significant step forward in affirming the dignity and humanity of individuals with disabilities, particularly those with dwarfism who have long endured the harm caused by derogatory mascot names such as 'Midget,' wrote Erin Elswood, co-director of Mascots Matter. 'We especially want to thank Representative Maurice West for championing this legislation, along with all of the bill's chief and co-sponsors who stood in support of this meaningful change. Their leadership sends a powerful message: that students with disabilities deserve to attend schools without being dehumanized or reduced to outdated and offensive caricatures.' If HB 3527 is implemented, public educational institutions may continue to use uniforms or other materials that have the prohibited name/image before the effective date of the Act until Sept. 1, 2028. 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.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Illinois Representative to discuss changes to ‘harmful' school mascots
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- Illinois State Representative, Maurice West (D- Rockford) will join an advocacy group, Mascots Matter to discuss their initiative to prohibit Illinois public schools from using what they call 'discriminatory disability mascots'. Indiana tourism project to add over 1,800 new jobs to Tri-State West introduced House Bill 3527, which creates the Prohibition of Discriminatory Disability Mascots Act and would require public schools to phase out any problematic name, logo, mascots or other relevant material. In the bill, 'discriminatory disability mascot' is defined as any name, logo or mascot which is derogatory or representative of an individual or group based on disability, as defined by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Representative West says the bill 'is a critical step toward ensuring all individuals are empowered to embrace diversity, respect, and cultural understanding. We believe that this important measure will help foster a more inclusive future for Illinois, one that honors the dignity of every community.' If passed and implemented impacted schools would need to have adopted a new mascot identity by September 1 of 2028. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
10-02-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
MASCOTS MATTER AND REP. MAURICE WEST INTRODUCE LANDMARK BILL TO PROTECT DISABILITY COMMUNITIES
Illinois bill bans disability-based mascots, ensuring schools align with ADA protections. Mascots Matter leads the charge for inclusivity. 'There are currently five high schools in the U.S. that use 'Midget' as a mascot, a term that has long been considered offensive by the disability community.' — Rachel Wherley, Founder & Co-Director, Mascots Matter SPRINGFIELD, IL, UNITED STATES, February 10, 2025 / / -- Mascots Matter, a national grassroots advocacy campaign dedicated to ending the use of derogatory and discriminatory mascots, team names, and logos, with an emphasis on Dwarfism, is proud to announce its collaboration with Illinois State Representative Maurice West on groundbreaking legislation. The proposed bill seeks to prohibit public educational institutions from using mascots or imagery that perpetuate harmful stereotypes or discriminate against individuals based on disability. The bill, titled 'Prohibition of Discriminatory Disability Mascots Act' ( HB3527), aims to ensure that all public educational environments foster respect and inclusivity, aligning with the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Key Provisions of the Proposed Legislation: • Definition of Discriminatory Mascots: The bill defines a discriminatory disability mascot as 'any name, logo, or imagery derogatory or representative of a disability, aligning with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).' • Interpretation of Public Educational Institutions: Public educational institutions as defined by the bill, includes any kindergarten through grade 12 school, public university, or community college receiving public funding within the State. • Timeline for Transition: Existing materials may be used until September 1, 2028, if specific requirements are met. For comprehensive details, please review the full bill text. • Effective Date: The act will take effect on a date to be determined upon its passage. An Independent Effort The Mascots Matter Campaign is a grassroots movement led by adults with dwarfism and parents of children with dwarfism. It is not affiliated with any program or project connected to any national dwarfism organizations. Why This Legislation Matters Discriminatory mascots and imagery perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to a culture of exclusion and disrespect for marginalized communities. Research has shown that such representations can negatively impact self-esteem, reinforce stigma, and hinder efforts toward inclusivity. Addressing these issues aligns with broader civil rights advancements and ensures that schools foster a respectful and welcoming environment for all students, including those with disabilities. Maurice West, Illinois state representative expressed that 'Every student deserves to learn in an environment that is inclusive and respectful. The Prohibition of Discriminatory Disability Mascots Act will ensure that all public schools in Illinois align with our state's values of dignity and equality. No student should feel that they are being represented by a mascot that perpetuates harmful stereotypes. I'm proud to introduce this legislation alongside Mascots Matter and disability advocates who have worked tirelessly to bring this issue to light.' Erin Elswood, co-director of Mascots Matter, emphasized the campaign's growth: 'Our movement started with a focus on the dwarfism community, but we quickly realized the broader impact mascots can have on all disability communities. This legislation is a crucial step in making sure all students feel included and valued in their schools.' Shelby Holloway, co-director of Mascots Matter, highlighted the urgency of the bill: 'Illinois has the opportunity to lead the nation in ensuring that public schools do not endorse mascots that demean any group of people. The time for debate has passed; the time for legal action is now.' Rachel Wherley, founder of Mascots Matter, pointed to the national scope of the issue: 'There are currently five high schools in the U.S. that use 'Midget' as a mascot, a term that has long been considered offensive by the disability community. Our goal is to pass legislation in all of those states, not just Illinois, to put an end to these harmful representations once and for all.' Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @MascotsMatter For Legislative Inquiries Office of Rep. Maurice West: [email protected] Phone: (815) 987-7433 [email protected] Visit us on social media: Legal Disclaimer:
