Lake County Gazette

**Article: Superintendent urges community to oppose HB 1237 on Native American mascots**

Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich is calling on families and members of the Kahok community to reach out to their Illinois State Senator to oppose HB 1237, which would prohibit Native American mascots.

"We are asking to leave this decision under local control to allow our community, families, and school board to determine our mascot," said Dr. Skertich.

In a statement released earlier, Dr. Skertich addressed the issue: "Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 is aware of the passage of Illinois House Bill 1237 which pertains to schools with Native American mascots. Now that the bill may be considered in the Illinois State Senate, we are actively reaching out to our state senators to oppose this legislation. "

Dr. Skertich emphasized the significance of the Collinsville High School Kahok mascot, highlighting its cultural and historical ties: "Our Collinsville High School Kahok mascot is a treasured part of our local community. Our district is home to the Cahokia Mounds World Heritage and State Historic Site, which is located where a large, influential Native American city once stood. "

He also noted that in 2020, the district received an endorsement from the Western Cherokee Nation of Arkansas and Missouri to continue using the Kahok mascot: "In 2020, our district received a formal written endorsement from the Western Cherokee Nation of Arkansas and Missouri to continue using our Kahok mascot. "

Murl Pierson, Executive Director & Tribal Council Speaker for the Western Cherokee Nation said: "On behalf of myself and the entire Tribal Council, we feel honored to endorse your mascott [sic] and your dedication to helping preserve the history and knowledge of the American Indian peoples. "

Dr. Skertich assured that Collinsville CUSD #10 strives to honor Native American culture: "Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 will always strive to honor and respect Native American culture. It is an important part of our local history. "

The Western Cherokee Nation Tribal Council expressed their support as well: "The Western Cherokee Nation Tribal Council told us,'In a time when it seems that people are wanting to erase history and do away with the past, it makes us proud that you and your school want to keep history alive.'"

Dr. Skertich concluded by urging community action against HB 1237: "Our district believes a mascot can promote awareness, celebrate Native culture and encourage dialogue between communities and adamantly opposes this legislation. "

Community members are encouraged to contact their Illinois State Senator using provided instructions! including sending messages based on a sample letter:

"Dear [Legislator's Name],

I strongly urge you to oppose HB 1237! which was passed by the Illinois House of Representatives.

I am contacting you as a resident in Collinsville Community Unit School District #10... It is important to note that our district has the support of the Western Cherokee Nation of Arkansas and Missouri in maintaining our current mascot...

I cannot express strongly enough how vital it is that you stand in opposition to HB 1237.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Title/Role! if applicable]

[School District or Community]"