House Passes Bill to Ban Discriminatory School Mascots

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois House passed a bill Tuesday banning public schools from using mascots deemed discriminatory toward people with disabilities. If signed into law, it would impact Freeburg Community High School, which currently uses the “Midgets” mascot, considered offensive to people with dwarfism. The school would have until Sept. 1, 2028, to adopt a new mascot. The bill passed 71-38, with supporters calling the mascot outdated and offensive, while opponents argue it’s a tradition best handled by the local school board. The bill now moves to the Senate.