ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - A Metro-East high school would have to find a new mascot name and image under legislation proposed in Springfield, Illinois.
The Freeburg High School "Midgets" mascot has come under fire from the 'Mascots Matter' Campaign.
The grassroots group - led by adults with dwarfism and parents of children with dwarfism - say the term "midgets" is a slur targeting their disability.
Shelby Holloway with 'Mascots Matter' - has dwarfism. She tells KMOX one of the districts has been cooperative in working with the group to learn more about its concerns.
"We have some schools who have been very involved with us and have had open line of communications," said Holloway on 'Total Information A.M.'
"They have actually done a great job of involving us to get different information to help educate their students and staff about dwarfism and how it is a disability."
Holloway says some schools they have reached out to have been seen the group sometimes receive dismissive attitudes towards it.
"Most of them will respond with the history as to why they have that mascot and most of these schools have had these mascots for quite a long time," said Holloway. "But it's usually a dismissiveness towards the fact it is a derogatory slur towards a disability."
KMOX News asked Erin Elswood if she'd send her son to a school district like Freeburg - with "Midgets" as a team name.
"I would not allow my child to attend a school who has that as a mascot," said Elswood. "I'm protective of my son, of course as a parent, but I also like to teach him and empower him on how to respond when people use this slur against him."
KMOX News did reach out to the Superintendent of Freeburg Schools who said the district has no comment at this time.