Illinois House votes to ban Native American mascots in K-12 schools

The Illinois House of Representatives passed House Bill 1237 in a 71–40 vote, advancing legislation that would ban Native American names, mascots and imagery in public K-12 schools. If enacted, about 90 schools would be required to retire such mascots by July 1, 2026. Schools may keep current materials until 2030 if they commit to a transition plan. Exceptions apply with written consent from federally recognized tribes and educational partnerships. The bill now heads to the state Senate.