The Storm, Aviators, Astronauts or Sharks? Algonquin Middle School's Indians mascot on track to change by next year

Algonquin Middle School, whose current mascot is the Indians, is set to have a new mascot by next spring.

A legislative change making its way through the state Legislature could require schools to meet certain criteria to have a Native American mascot, Adrian Harries, Algonquin-based Community School District 300’s director of diversity, equity and inclusion, said at a recent board meeting.

House Bill 4783, also known as the school Native American Imagery bill, is sponsored by state Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford. It has not passed, but Harries said he expects it to.

Under this bill, schools using Native American imagery for logos or mascots would need to receive the express written consent of a Native American tribe within 500 miles of the school, conduct a schoolwide program on Native American culture at least twice a school year, offer a course of study to its students outlining Native American contributions to society and file an annual report with the Illinois State Board of Education detailing what academic programs on Native American culture are offered by the district.

In light of this potential mandate, the district decided to move forward with changing the mascot, Harries said.

Schools all over the country are reconsidering their Native American mascots, as well as mascots that refer to the Confederacy, as previously reported by Shaw Media Illinois.

Similar petitions have popped up at Marengo, Morris, Lane Tech in Chicago and Waubonsie Valley in Aurora, among other schools across the state.

In November, District 300 plans to conduct a community presentation detailing the potential change in state statute and giving the community a chance to voice their concerns.

At this town hall, which will most likely be held virtually, District 300 also would introduce the four available mascot options and give a timeline for the expected change. The four options for the new mascot are the Storm, Aviators, Astronauts and Sharks.

By December, the goal is to conduct a school and parent vote on the four mascots that are available, and in January, the final vote would be conducted.

Harries said students will have a write in option as well. If enough students write-in an option, the district can create the art to go with it, Harries said.

Harries said the new mascot would be announced in March, and it would be formally introduced by May 20, 2021.

“I am a firm believer that the students should have final say when it’s all said and done,” Harries said.

District 300 Superintendent Fred Heid emphasized at the meeting that although the mascot is changing, the district still will focus on expanding its curriculum when it comes to Native American culture and history.