Published on April 18, 2025 7:26 am
Last Updated on April 18, 2025 7:26 am
The Altamont school district is asking residents of the district to write an Illinois legislator in opposition to House Bill 1237.
Altamont Superintendent Casey Adam said if passed in its current form, the legislation would directly impact approximately 100 school districts across Illinois, including Altamont Unit #10, by restricting the use of Native American names, mascots, and imagery, regardless of context, meaning, or local history
Adam’s letter sent to Altamont district residents on Thursday asks the residents to contact Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton and “respectfully urge her not to bring HB 1237 to a vote in the Senate.” The letter also urges residents to ask Hilton, if she chooses to move the bill forward, to amend the legislation to include language that allows all impacted school districts the opportunity to seek approval from a Native American tribe to retain their current name and mascot.
Here’s the mailing address:
Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D), 23rd District…Springfield Office…Stratton Office Building, 401 S. Spring…Section C, Office A….Springfield, IL 62706…217-782-8148.
Adam’s letter also asks residents to contact State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet, who sits on the Senate Education Committee, and ask him to vote NO on the measure if it’s called for a vote in committee, and to be present in committee, so someone won’t be substituted onto the committee who might vote YES on the measure.
Contact Rose at:
Senator Chapin Rose (R), 51st District…Springfield Office, Stratton Office Building, 401 Spring, Section A, Office A…Springfield, IL 62706…217-558-1006.
Adam writes, “When reaching out, please remember to be respectful and professional, but also passionate.”