On April 10, the Illinois House of Representatives advanced House Bill 1237, a controversial measure that would ban Native-themed mascots and logos in schools statewide.

The proposal requires affected schools to rebrand by July 1, 2026, unless they secure and renew approval every five years from a federally recognized tribe. At least 90 schools would be impacted, many of which face steep, unfunded costs to replace uniforms, signage, and other materials. This pulls valuable resources away from classrooms, teachers, and student services.

Senate Republicans argue that this bill ignores the local significance of these mascots, which often represent pride, heritage, and long-standing community identity. In some cases, schools have worked directly with tribes to ensure cultural respect and collaboration.

At a time when Illinois faces a multibillion-dollar deficit and rising financial pressures, lawmakers should focus on real fiscal priorities and not micromanage local school identity and traditions.