Illinois House passes bill to prohibit ‘discrimatory diasability mascots’ in schools

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — On Tuesday, the Illinois House passed a bill that would prohibit schools from using a name, logo, or mascot that is derogatory or representative of a disabled individual or group.

House Bill 3527 was introduced by Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) in response to a complaint filed by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights by the activist group Mascots Matter, which accused Freeburg High School’s mascot, the “Midgets,” of offending people with dwarfism.

“Mascots should uplift, not discriminate, while creating a supportive environment for all students,” said West. “Harmful and outdated mascots from Illinois schools, including those that perpetuate harmful stereotypes, have no place in our state. This bill is a critical step toward ensuring our schools foster a more inclusive, respectful future for all in Illinois. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the state senate to pass this bill into law.”

If passed by the Senate, the law would require schools to adopt a new mascot by September 1st, 2028.

West is also behind House Bill 5617, which would amend the school code to prohibit school use the likeness of any person, animal, or object associated with Native American culture.