Latest news with #ProhibitionofDiscriminatoryDisabilityMascotsAct
Chicago Tribune
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Column: Debate rages over names of Illinois school teams
Highland Park High School dropped the adjective 'little' from its Giants sports teams decades ago. Which is fortunate, for the school could have found itself outside the law under a bill snaking its way through the state legislature. The long-winded Prohibition of Discriminatory Disability Mascots Act passed the Illinois House of Representatives earlier this month and moves on to the state Senate, where it undoubtedly will be adopted and await Gov. J.B. Pritzker's signature. Sponsored by state Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, it targets far Downstate Freeburg Community High School, in the Metro-East region by St. Louis, and its team name, The Midgets. According to Jeremy Gorner's front-page story of April 14 in The News-Sun, the bill defines a 'discriminatory disability mascot' as, 'any name, logo, or mascot that is derogatory or representative of an individual or group based on disability, as defined by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.' It would apply to K-12 schools, public universities and community colleges in Illinois. Opponents of the measure maintain it is another woke encroachment by state lawmakers. Supporters, including state Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake, say the Midgets name is 'divisive and harmful.' Unsure where Bantams or Lilliputians might fit in. Illinois disability advocates have complained about the Midgets name for at least a decade. 'The purpose of a mascot is to bring camaraderie, to create goodwill, to create spirit,' Democrat Dias said. 'I have a child with a disability. If my child's school used his disability as a mascot? I don't even know.' Legend has it that Highland Park dropped the 'Little Giants' monicker in 1971 after a football coach decided he didn't want the team to be considered 'little.' That's similar to early Waukeganites deciding they didn't want to be Little Fort, turning to the name of Waukegan, yet opting out of being a boastful Big Fort. How Highland Park became the Little Giants began in 1940 when the school's principal chose the name because of his alma mater, the Wabash College Little Giants. The North Shore school's yearbook was even named 'The Little Giant.' There is another Little Giants high school team in Fremont, Ohio, which claims to be the nation's sauerkraut capital. At liberal arts Wabash College, a Division III all-male school (one of three remaining in the U.S.), nestled near the banks of Sugar Creek, a southern tributary of the Wabash River, the teams remain the Little Giants. The school is in Crawfordsville, Indiana, in east-central Indiana, about 50 miles west of Indianapolis and about the same distance from the Illinois state line. The college team, whose mascot is Wally Wabash, got the nickname 'Little Giants' in 1904 from an Indianapolis sportswriter, according to the college, because the teams nearly always were up against much bigger schools with much heftier players. Freeburg High supporters argue the same. They say the Midgets label has been around since the 1934-35 basketball season. A local sportswriter — they are troublemakers, aren't they? — apparently was looking for a colorful name for his copy to tout the basketball team's small lineup, whose tallest player then was 5-foot-10. The sportswriter opted for 'midgets,' which supporters say is an 'affectionate' nickname. If he picked 'Elves' or 'Munchkins' it is doubtful Illinois lawmakers would be spending time on the mascot bill while the legislative clock ticks toward a May 31 adjournment. If eventually signed into law, it will force Freeburg to find another team name by Sept. 1, 2028. That legislation isn't the only mascot bill adopted by the House this month. Democrat West is also the chief sponsor of a bill that would ban state schools from using Native American names, logos or mascots. However, under the legislation, schools could use a team name of a 'federally recognized tribe or historical Native American person' if they get written permission from representatives of the tribe. Deerfield High School, next to its fellow District 113 neighbor Highland Park, teams are the Warriors, but your friendly Hellenistic types, complete with a Greek helmet logo. No Lake County high schools have Native American names, although we have Corsairs, Blue Devils, Patriots and various animal mascots, like the Mundelein Mustangs, Libertyville Wildcats and the Zion-Benton Zee-Bees, one of the best team names in the state. If the tribal mascot bill were to become law, it would take effect in 2030. As of 2021, there were about 50 high schools in Illinois with Native American names or imagery for their teams or mascots, according to Illinois Public Media. Opponents of the bill say it would be costly for schools to rebrand their team names, change uniforms and, in some cases, erase mascot images from football stadiums and gymnasiums. They also assert that it also wipes out decades of school and community spirit. Sort of what European settlers did to Native Americans.
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
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:
