Rockford Representative Introduces Bill Banning Native American School Mascots

A Democratic Illinois House Representative, Maurice West from Rockford, introduced a bill banning Illinois schools and sports teams from using a Native American logo or mascot.

According to KHQA, Native American imagery would be allowed if each school meets the following requirements:

• Receives written consent from a Native American tribe within 500 miles of the school. Consent must be renewed every five years.

• Each school must conduct a program on Native American culture. The programs will be held twice a year.

• Offer an academic course on Native American contributions to society.

• Each school must also file an annual report with the State Board of Education that explains the academic programs on Native Americans the school offers throughout the year.

Hononegah High School, debated earlier this year whether or not to remove the school's Native American mascot.

Dueling petitions between removing or keeping the school's mascot are up on change.org.

The overwhelming majority of votes has gone toward keeping the mascot at Hononegah High School.

That may all change if West's bill goes for final approval. If any school fails to comply they would be ineligible to qualify for playoffs in any sport or activity.

Sweet Lenny is the brand manager of 97ZOK, Q98.5, and Operations Manager for Townsquare Media Rockford. Catch him afternoons 3 to 7 on 97ZOK. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram and like his page on Facebook.