US EditionMascot Ban Stalls as Native-Backed Land Conservation Bill Advances
- During the 2025 legislative session, Illinois did not approve legislation prohibiting the use of Native American mascots in K-12 schools, although a separate bill related to land conservation involving tribal nations was successfully passed.
- The mascot ban stalled in the Senate mainly due to concerns about the costs for schools changing mascots, despite strong advocacy from Native American groups seeking improved Native imagery.
- A bill introduced by Representative Maurice West has passed both legislative chambers and, once signed by the governor, will update state laws to permit tribal nations, such as the Ho-Chunk Nation, to legally participate in land conservation agreements with property owners in Illinois.
- The Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation, which has collaborated with the Ho-Chunk Nation for 12 years, emphasized that direct land ownership by the nation is impractical due to distance, so conservation agreements provide a clearer collaboration path.
- The failure to pass the mascot ban leaves Native American imagery issues unresolved, but the land conservation bill offers progress for Native interests by enabling tribal nation participation pending the governor's signature.
13 Articles
13 Articles
The Quad-City Times
Dispatch ArgusIllinois mascot ban stalls as Native-backed land conservation bill advances
Native American advocates have spoken out about the importance of improving Native imagery.
Mascot Ban Stalls as Native-Backed Land Conservation Bill Advances – WTTW (Chicago)
House Bill 1605, originally sponsored by Rep. Maurice West, would amend existing law so tribal nations can join land conservation agreements with land owners. As land conservators, a tribal nation could maintain the land and have control over what happens to it. Originally, only nonprofits, the state or federal agencies could join land conservation agreements with landowners.
Bill banning Native American logos at Illinois schools fails to make it through Senate prior to end of spring session
A bill that would ban K through 12 schools in Illinois from using Native American mascots and names failed to make it through the Senate following weeks of discussions. The Bill had passed in the House by a vote of…
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