Some Locals in Du Quoin say if they had to change their mascot, they wouldn't want too.
Du Quoin, Ill. (WSIL)--- Illinois state lawmakers are considering a Bill that could ban Native American names, mascots, and logos in all public schools. The Bill is currently in a subcommittee.
If it passes it could take effect in 2027. Some locals in Du Quoin say if they had to change their mascot, they wouldn't want to.
“I’m totally against that,� Tammy Peters says.
Tammy Peters says it's important for the communities to express themselves.
“Like my husband was from Cleveland, Ohio, and when that got rid of the Indians, that's been their heritage,� Peters said.
Du Quoin's Superintendent Steve Mayerhofer said in a phone interview the Indian mascot is central to their school, community, and culture.
"It's been like that forever. So that's what we're known as,� Gavan Weeks said.
The former Du Quoin footballer says he wouldn't change it.
“Especially surrounding towns, if you're like okay, yeah we're from Du Quoin, The Duquoin Indians, especially when football season comes around. You got Pinckneyville obviously and you got your local rivals and stuff,� Weeks said.
The Bill could ban Native American names, mascots, and logos in all public schools.
“I don't see a problem with it at all. I mean a mascot is a mascot. I don't think it's a personal aspect into anything,� Weeks said.
Weeks says during the football season the town shows out to support their team.
“I mean you see the football banners and stuff like that. Du Quoin Indians, It's all over the place come football season,� Weeks said.
Schools that have a Native American-themed mascot are grandfathered into the bill, but schools after 2027 that decide to change their name to a Native American theme will not be allowed to.
