Native American Mascot Ban Passes Illinois House, Moves to Senate

SPRINGFIELD — A bill that would require Illinois K-12 schools to replace mascots, team names and logos referencing Native American imagery cleared the Illinois state House Thursday in a 71-40 vote and now heads to the Senate. If enacted, the law would affect about 90 schools using names like Braves, Chiefs, or Comanches, and images such as feathered headdresses or traditional weapons. Schools would need to choose new mascots by July 1, 2026, while uniforms and materials with outdated designs could be used until September 1, 2030. Exceptions would apply to schools that receive ongoing permission from a federally recognized tribe.