Illinois HB 1237 Native American Mascot Update
The Woodland Warrior and Logos Would Be Affected:
Update from Springfield – HB 1237 has received an amendment that does clarify which mascots the Representative intends to require to be phased out of use. You can read the full amendment at this link to see how specific it has become, which mascots would be impacted (Definitely Woodland Warriors), and review the full extent of what school districts would have to comply with while they selected a new mascot.
As far as what is next procedurally, this is what we can expect:
The underlying bill and the amendment have both been posted for hearing for today Wednesday, 3/19 at 8:00AM in the House Education Policy Committee
The Representative has indicated that he does intend to call the bill for a hearing during that committee
Witness slips can be completed on the amendment. Please continue to fill out witness slips here: LINK HERE for the witness slip!
The Representative has indicated he may hold the bill on 2nd reading – this essentially means that although he wants to run the bill in committee so he can fulfill the requirement to have it heard by the committee deadline (which is scheduled for Friday, 3/21), that he is willing to commit to not moving it forward for a floor vote so additional conversations can take place (this is positive news for Woodland)
Regardless – Please complete the Witness Slips to keep Woodland Warriors!
Full Amendment – including how specific (NOT good for Woodland) is below
https://ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/PDF/10400HB1237ham001.pdf
Official Woodland Release from Dr. Ryan McGuckin: Illinois HB 1237 Native American Mascot Update 3-19-2025.pdf