Several Metro East schools will rally this weekend as a state measure advances that would force them to get rid of Native American mascots.
HB 1237
Synopsis As Introduced:
Amends the School Code. Provides that a school board shall prohibit a school from using a native name, logo, or mascot; defines "native name, logo, or mascot". However, 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.
Collinsville Community Unit School District 10's mascot is the Kahok -- pictured as a Native American in full headdress.
Superintendent Dr. Brad Skertich tells Total Information A.M. they've discussed this with Native American tribes. “I understand there's different views across the country on this one, but those tribes that are in closer proximity to the Collinsville School District have provided support that says we would welcome the continued use of the Native American headdress as the Kahok is depicted today.” In 2020 the district received a formal written endorsement from the Western Cherokee Nation of Arkansas and Missouri.
KMOX News asked how district officials talk to students about pride for the image, with questions about marginalizing another people. Skertich says, “I think what we've always tried to do with Cahokia Mounds on our back door and within our district boundaries, is to educate students on Native American culture, Hispanic heritage, African American culture, Italian culture. We try to expose students to all of that information so they have a knowledge, understanding, and a background.”
Skertich says in 1926 the mascot Kahok was chosen for the athleticism, the integrity, and the pride they had in their people. According to the Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 website, Collinsville High School’s student newspaper Chanticleer, asked students to submit names for the mascot. Only 3 names were submitted. A committee comprised of coaches and team captains looked at the history of the area and picked the name Kahok.
Skertich says the bill could cost the district and tax payers up to 2 million dollars over time. “When you look at the scoreboards alone, you're going to push almost $750,000 by replacing all those, the signage, the logos, the flooring, the scoreboards, everything that is on uniforms.”
A rally is being held on Sunday 4/27 at Collinsville High School at 2pm on the football field. Granite City and Mascoutah schools are also taking part.
Annie Frey of KMOX sister station KFTK-FM is "inviting all Illinois schools who are under threat of losing their mascots, and millions of taxpayer dollars to become compliant, to rally with us at the Collinsville High School football stadium. We are seeking to ask for local control over these issues. This is a nonpartisan, positive assembly of people who want to stand in support of our local rights to control the mascots we have celebrated for decades."