House Bill 1237 Moves Forward, Raises Concerns in Mascoutah Over Potential Mascot Change

Mascoutah – On April 10, 2025, the Illinois House of Representatives passed House Bill 1237, a proposed piece of legislation that would prohibit schools and school districts from using Native American names, logos, or mascots. While the bill has yet to become law, its progress through the legislative process is drawing significant attention—particularly in Mascoutah, where the high school’s “Indians” mascot is seen by many as a symbol of pride and cultural respect.

The bill, sponsored by Representative Maurice West, has been reintroduced after previous efforts stalled in committee. It aims to address concerns over the use of Native American imagery in schools, arguing such symbols can perpetuate stereotypes or disrespect Indigenous communities. However, in Mascoutah, school and community leaders have taken a different perspective.

Mascoutah School District 19 Superintendent Dr. David Deets issued the following statement regarding the bill:

“I’ve been following House Bill 1237 closely since Representative West reintroduced this bill again this past January. HB1237 prohibits a school or district from using a Native American name, logo, or mascot, and the District is aware that it was passed through the IL House on the morning of April 10, 2025. If passed into law, HB1237 would have a major impact on the school community of Mascoutah CUSD19.  

Here in Mascoutah, we strongly believe it’s important to ‘Educate NOT Eradicate.’ We have strived to incorporate this philosophy into our educational practices in order to be respectful and to honor Native American history and culture. Native American connections are deeply ingrained within our region, state, and country and serve as a constant reminder of the rich heritage that came before us. Cahokia Mounds, for example, is only a 30 minute drive. The state of Illinois is named after the Illini Confederation of Tribes. Countless lakes, rivers, towns, cities, and landmarks all have names derived directly from native civilizations and cultures. This includes this wonderful city of Mascoutah, named after the Mascoutan Indian Tribe.  

“We believe that our use of the ‘Indians’ mascot, coupled with our educational initiatives, serves as a platform for honoring and preserving the legacy of Native American Tribal Nations that were here before us. We are committed to ensuring that our representation is always respectful and positive, rather than disrespectful or demeaning.  

“In addition to our concerns of this bill trying to eradicate Native American imagery and mascots are also the financial implications that every impacted district would have to face in changing their mascot. And these are substantial. At Mascoutah 19 alone, the cost to change our mascot is estimated to be between $1.5-2 million. Nowhere in the bill language is there a plan for reimbursing school districts who are forced to make this change. Therefore, that cost burden would be shifted to the over 100 schools and districts in Illinois that would be impacted by this legislation.  

“In the minds of many within this school community, the Indian mascot and our history as Mascoutah Indians serves as a source of great pride and honor. To have legislators in Springfield who have never visited our town, nor our schools, make decisions that have such a drastic impact on our community is unfortunate. On behalf of Mascoutah CUSD19, I do want to thank our local legislators in the House. All local representatives voted ‘no’ to HB1237, so I do thank them for standing up for their constituents and this great region of southwestern Illinois.”

According to the bill’s current status, it has been referred to the Senate where it may face committee review and amendments before a potential vote. As written, HB1237 would allow exceptions for schools that have a written agreement with a tribal nation to continue using a Native American mascot, but many districts, including Mascoutah, would still likely be affected.