Bill > HB1237

This bill amends the Illinois School Code to prohibit schools from using native names, logos, or mascots, with some specific exceptions. The bill defines native names, logos, and mascots to include team names referencing federally recognized tribes or historical Native American persons, as well as terms like "Redskins" or "Braves", and images such as Native Americans, feathered headdresses, tomahawks, arrowheads, and certain weapon-and-feather combinations. Schools can continue using existing uniforms or materials with such names or logos until September 1, 2030, provided they develop a plan to change them by July 1, 2026. A school can keep a team name referencing a specific tribe or Native American person if they obtain written consent from the tribe's elected legislative body, develop a meaningful educational partnership, and ensure no stereotypical representations are used. The written consent must be renewed every five years and can be revoked at any time by the tribe. The tribe cannot be paid for this consent, though travel expenses for educational programming may be reimbursed. The bill explicitly states that it does not prohibit using native names for counties, municipalities, school districts, or schools themselves, and it will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Education

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1237&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104