NW Illinois News

Illinois State Senator Andrew Chesney has expressed criticism of recently passed legislation that bans certain themed mascots and school logos. He described the law as "confusing and inconsistent" in a Facebook post dated April 10.

"Today the House of Representatives passed legislation that would ban the use of native-themed mascots and logos in Illinois schools," said Chesney, according to Facebook. "This is terrible legislation that would tear apart generations of community pride in school districts. The language of House Bill 1237 is confusing and inconsistent, which leads me to believe this is more about woke ideology and political theater than honest, well-intentioned policymaking. Several of my schools in the 45th District would be affected by this costly legislation, and school leaders can rest assured that I will do everything in my power to derail this bill in the Senate."

House Bill 1237, introduced by Representative Maurice A. West II on January 10, 2025, had its first reading on January 28. The bill requires school boards to prohibit the use of native names, logos, or mascots. However, schools may continue using uniforms and other materials featuring these elements purchased before the act's effective date until September 1, 2028, provided they meet specific requirements. An amendment allows for the use of existing materials until September 1, 2030, if the school establishes a reasonable timeline for selecting a new name, logo, or mascot through formal school board action. The bill passed the House and was sent to the Senate on April 14.

Screenshot of State Senator Andrew Chesney's April 10 Facebook post | State Senator Andrew Chesney's Facebook page

According to WGN 9, there is an ongoing debate over Native American mascots in the Chicagoland area. In April 2018, Maine West High School in Des Plaines gained attention when a video of its warrior mascot dancing went viral; the mascot had been used since 1959. At Lane Tech College Prep in 2020, the school council voted to change its Native American mascot after an online petition gathered more than 1,000 alumni signatures calling for its removal. Lane Tech rebranded as the Champions on December 3, 2022. At Lemont High School, the Board of Trustees voted in July 2021 to retire the "Indians" mascot. In a previous instance in 2004, a school-wide vote led to changing the mascot to "Titans," but it later reverted to "Indians" following community complaints.

Chesney represents Illinois' 45th District and previously served in the state's 89th District. His public service includes roles as an elected member of the Freeport City Council and as a past board member of Regional Access Mobilization Project (RAMP), which provides support services and advocacy for people with disabilities. Additionally, he has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a mentor.