COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – An Illinois bill that would ban that would ban schools from using Native American names, mascots and logos has passed the Illinois House and is now under review in the Senate.

The Collinsville School District, one St. Louis-area school district with a Native American-themed mascot, is pushing back against the proposal, urging community members to contact their state senators in an effort to preserve the school’s name and identity.

The legislation at the center, Illinois House Bill 1237, would require schools to stop using Native American names, logos, or mascots when enacted, although it would allow schools to use existing materials and uniforms until 2030 under certain conditions, such as setting a timeline for selecting a new mascot.

For decades, Collinsville High School has used a “Kahok” mascot name. The name represents a fictional Native American tribe, and many school leaders view it as a symbol of local identity and heritage.

Dr. Mark Skertich, superintendent for the Collinsville School District, issued a public statement on April 10 outlining the district’s stance. The statement reads, in part:

“Our Collinsville High School Kahok mascot is a treasured part of our local community. Our district is home to the Cahokia Mounds World Heritage and State Historic Site, which is located where a large, influential Native American city once stood. Artifacts indicate it was the center of Mississippian culture in its day.

In 2020, our district received a formal written endorsement from the Western Cherokee Nation of Arkansas and Missouri to continue using our Kahok mascot.  Their support is based on their belief that the people of the Western Cherokee could be descended from the Cahokia mound builders.”

According to the statement, the district believes the mascot promotes cultural awareness, encourages dialogue about Native American history and honor Indigenous heritage.

“Collinsville CUSD 10 leaders are actively opposing this legislation in the Senate.  We are encouraging everyone in our community to contact members of the Illinois State Senate to oppose House Bill 1237,” the school district added.

The legislation also states that id a federally recognized tribe wishes to terminate consent for a mascot, the school must select a new name or mascot within a year and discontinue the old one within three years.

HB 1237 has had one reading in the Senate and has since been referred to an assignments committee, according to the bill’s online tracker. The Illinois General Assembly runs through May 31, 2025.