🧑‍🤝‍🧑Mascot: "Braves (boys) Redskins (girls)"

Hey there Let's talk about some school mascots that are making headlines lately. In Illinois, there are schools that have been using mascots like the Braves and Redskins, which are tough-sounding names that aim to evoke strength and bravery. However, these mascots have been at the center of a big discussion because they use Native American names and imagery. The Braves mascot, for example, is often depicted with logos featuring feathered headdresses or traditional Native American weapons, which some people feel perpetuate stereotypes. Similarly, the Redskins mascot has been criticized for the same reasons. These mascots are used by about 90 schools in Illinois, but a new bill, House Bill 1237, is proposing to ban them to promote more respectful and inclusive school environments. If this bill becomes a law, schools will need to choose new mascots by July 1, 2026, and gradually phase out the old uniforms and materials by September 1, 2030 [ICON_calendar]. There's also a cool exception: if a school has a direct connection with a federally recognized tribe and gets their permission, they can keep their current mascot 🛡️. So, it's an interesting time for school mascots, and it's all about finding names and symbols that everyone can be proud of 🏆