Collinsville Schools opposes IL HB 1237, prohibiting the use of Native American names as school mascots
Tri-school district rally against removing the mascots takes place April 27 at CHS
By Deves “Dee” Urtsery
Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 opposes pending Illinois House Bill (HB) 1237 or is at least asking for it to be amended in order to keep the Kahaok name and logo.
On Apr. 14, of this year, IL HB 1237 arrived in the Illinois Senate and after all of the legislative proceedings were referred to assignments, which means they were sent to a committee for analysis and to be possibly voted upon.
If passed in its current form, it would directly impact approximately 100 school districts across the state, including Collinsville. By restricting the use of Native American names, mascots and imagery, regardless of context, meaning or local history.
To that end, the Collinsville School District is holding a tri-school district rally for students, faculty, parents and staff members to show their support and make their voices heard. This will take place at Kahok Stadium on April 27 at 2 p.m. The address is 2201 S. Morrison. The other area school districts impacted are the Granite City Warriors and the Mascoutah Indians.
The bill amends the School Code, provides that a school board shall prohibit a school from using a native name, logo or mascot and defines “native name, logo or mascot.”
However, it provides that a school may continue to use uniforms or other materials bearing a native name, logo, or mascot that were purchased on or before the effective date of the amendatory Act until September 1, 2028, if specified requirements are met, per the summary of the bill.
The district is actively reaching out to the Illinois Senators to oppose this legislation because they feel that they portray the Native American culture in a positive and honorable way. The District also believes that it is an intricate part of the community, according to Superintendent Dr. Brad Skertich.
“Our Collinsville High School Kahok mascot is a treasured part of our local community,” Skertich stated. “Our district is home to the Cahokia Mounds World Heritage and State Historic Site, which is where a large, influential Native American city once stood.”
According to Skertich, in 2020, the district received a formal written endorsement from the Western Cherokee Nation of Arkansas and Missouri to continue using the Kahok mascot.
Their support is based on their belief that the people of the Western Cherokee could be descended from the Cahokia mound builders, he said.
Executive Director and Tribal Council Speaker of the Western Cherokee Nation, Murl Pierson, in their written endorsement stated, “On behalf of myself and the entire tribal council, we feel honored to endorse your mascot and your dedication to helping to preserve the history and knowledge of the American Indian peoples.”
The Western Cherokee Nation first established sovereignty when Chief Yahwi-ugaseti (Chief Dangerous Man) moved several hundred of his people from the Lookout Mountain area of Tennessee to what is now Cape Girardeau, Missouri under specifications of a 1721 treaty with Spain.
According to Skertich, community members have been asking how they can get involved. The district has a template for people who wish to participate in opposition to IL HB 1237 and can find steps to oppose it at https://www.illinoispolicy.org/maps/illinois-senate/.
”In a time when it seems that people are wanting to erase history and do away with the past, it makes us proud that you and your school want to keep history alive. Yes, we will gladly endorse your use of part of the American Indian culture and history as part of the background for your school system,” Pierson said.
“We do ask one thing, however, as you go out using the Kahok as your symbol of strength and bravery, please do it in such a way that should the spirit of the Cahokia people were looking down on you, that they would be proud.”
The district also sent a letter to Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton of the 23rd District and in it Skertich explained the reasoning for their opposition of the bill.
“In our district, we believe our Kahok mascot is a means of fostering pride, educating others and keeping Native American history and heritage in the public consciousness,” Skertich said. “We strive to teach our students about the rich and meaningful history of Native American nations, particularly those with deep roots within our school district.”
Currently the Cahokia Mounds Museum Society concentrates on promoting the education and scientific aspects of the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, the archeological sphere and supporting efforts to preserve, develop and expand our knowledge of Cahokia Mounds.
“In support of these efforts and common values, our schools participate in regular field trips to the State Historic Site to educate students on ancient civilization and Native American cultures,” Skertich said. “Our students and teachers are privileged to have access and close proximity to an amazing civilization.“
Aside from cultural concerns, there are also important financial implications to consider. For any school district, replacing uniforms, signage, gym floors, athletic equipment and other branding elements represents a significant burden, according to Skertich.
“In some cases, those costs can rise into the millions, something many districts simply cannot absorb without state financial support,” Skertich said. “HB1237 currently lacks any funding provisions to assist with such mandated changes, which adds another layer of concern for us.”
Another point of contention is the removal of the provision allowing school districts to receive letters of support from federally recognized tribes. The district believes that Native American voices should be central in this conversation, not silenced. Many tribal members and leaders take pride in schools that honor their legacy through mascots and partnerships.
“We urge lawmakers to consider reinstating language that would allow tribes to formally support school districts that are using mascots in respectful and culturally sensitive ways,” Skertich said.
“If the senate plans to call the bill for a vote, we are asking for it to be amended to allow districts to partner with a native american tribe to use their name and/or mascot as an exception,” he said. “This allows district’s to exercise local control.”
