Springfield, ILL. (KHQA)— A new bill would prevent Illinois schools and sports teams from having a Native American logo or mascot or any other Native American imagery.
Native American imagery would be allowed if the school does all of the following:
- Receives written consent from a Native American tribe within 500 miles of the school, and the consent must be renewed every five years
- Conducts a school-wide program on Native American culture, to be held at least twice a school year
- Offers an academic course on Native American contributions to society
- Files an annual report with the State Board of Education that explains the academic programs on Native Americans the school has offered throughout the school year
The bill states that anyone who fails to comply with the law will be ineligible to play in any playoffs.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Maurice A. West II.
The University of Illinois came under fire over the last decade or more for its previous use of the Native American Chief Illiniwek. The university has already taken action to remove Chief Illiniwek as its symbol.
It has been assigned to the Elementary and Secondary Education: School Curriculum and Policies Committee.
