State Legislation Would Require Tribe Consent for Use of Native American Mascots 

Success! An email has been sent with a link to confirm list signup.

Error! There was an error processing your request.

An Illinois lawmaker wants to amend the Interscholastic Athletic Organization Act to prohibit schools from using a Native American logo, mascot or any other Native American imagery unless the school has received written consent of a tribe based within 500 miles of the school.

Democratic State Rep. Maurice West of Rockford introduced House Bill 4783 last week. It provides that an association or other entity that, as one of its purposes, promotes, sponsors, regulates, or in any manner provides for interscholastic athletics or any form of athletic competition among schools and students prohibits the use.

That is unless the school has received the express written consent of the tribe, which must be renewed every five years.

The proposed legislation would also conduct a school-wide program on Native American culture at least twice per school year; offer a course outlining Native American contributions to society; and a district must file an annual report with the State Board of Education detailing what academic programs on Native Americans it has offered during the school year.

The Peoria Journal-Star reports that the proposal is in connection with student-led protest over the use of the "Princess Hononegah" Indian mascot and other Native American imagery and iconography at Hononegah High School in Rockton, Illinois.

Students asked the Hononegah School Board to end the school’s tradition of having a cheerleader dress as an Indian princess and dance at sporting events.

West says the bill requires the school or entity to build a relationship with the tribe and to raise awareness about the tribe and its actual representation.

The law also provides that the association or other entity shall investigate any failure to comply and the penalty for noncompliance would be ineligibility to participate in any playoffs.

The bill has been sent to the Rules Committee for further discussion.

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Sycamore Woman Arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance in Montgomery

Deceased Identified in Fatal Crash Near Millington

Area Police Reports for Saturday, February 15, 2020

Chicago Residents Charged in Yorkville Forgery Cases

Three Arrested in Alleged Vehicle Burglary Sprees; Authorities Say Proceeds From Oswego, Joliet, North Aurora

Additional Family Lawsuits Added Against City of Aurora, Police in Connection with State Police Suits

Aurora Man Arrested for Several Drug-Related Offenses in Kendall County

Dollar Loss Estimated at $100,000, Multiple Pets Dead Following Fire at Aurora Home

We\'re always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what\'s going on!

Former Serena Principal to be Paid $87K in Separation Agreement

Starved Rock Murderer Chester Weger Released From Prison on Parole

Montgomery Man Facing Several Charges in Connection With Bar Fight

House GOP Members Argue Budget Reserve Withholds Education Funding

Yorkville Man Pleads Not Guilty in Grundy Co. Murder Case; Grand Jury Hands Down Indictment

St. Charles Man Charged in DeKalb Co. DUI Crash That Killed Teen Pleads Guilty to Agg. DUI

DeKalb Police Sgt. Suspended 30 Days Without Pay Following Internal Investigation

Oswego Looks at Continuing Partnership With Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Driver of Suspect Vehicle in Crash Dies; Aurora Man Charged With Attempted Murder in Shooting

Sandwich City Council Discusses Sharing Street Maintenance Engineering and GIS with DeKalb County

Powered by BLOX Content Management System from TownNews.com.