LFHS has proudly been known as the Scouts since 1938, but a significant change may be on the horizon. 

On April 10, the Illinois House of Representatives passed a bill by a vote of 71-38 that would prohibit the use of Native American mascots, names, and logos in schools K-12 across the state. In order for this to become a law, the bill must pass the Senate and be signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker. 

What will the bill do?

House Bill 1237 would require schools to choose new mascots to replace those that reference Native American names and imagery. According to the bill, there are 90 schools that use mascots like Braves, Chiefs, or Comanches.

The bill allows schools to use current uniforms and other materials up until 2030, but requires a new mascot be selected by July 1, 2026. 

The proposed legislation would allow schools to continue to use a mascot representing Native American tribes and historical figures if they get written consent from the tribe itself or a person who is a member. 

How does this bill affect LFHS?

Should the bill pass, Lake Forest’s initial step would likely be to retire Skippy the Scout and possibly the spear. 

“I can’t think of anything we do that directly correlates with Native Americans besides Skippy the Scout,” Assistant Athletic Director Craig Shaman said. “One thing I think comes to question is the ‘Fear the Spear’ saying, and that spear is a reference to Native Americans. That might have to be something that is reworked if that passes.”

LFHS was originally known as the GoldCoasters, but many students from the senior class found the name unfitting. They conducted a class vote to be called the Scouts instead—which continues to be held today.

The mascot of the Scouts was originally not a representation of any Native Americans. The nickname instead comes from “scouting out opportunities ahead.” 

As for what LFHS does next, there are more questions than answers.

“We would always love to learn from students! This is YOUR school,” Dr. Principal Lenart said. “Should a timeline need to be developed, I will strongly recommend a student engagement!”

Students are weighing the potential impact on what this change might entail for the future of LFHS. 

“If the people who are offended are just complaining because they disagree, then I don’t think it’s fair, because they don’t have any correlation to the Native Americans,” junior James Elliott said. “They are subjected to their own opinion, but they shouldn’t dictate if a mascot is being changed. I am all for vocalizing one’s perspective to evaluate the circumstance, but all sides should be evaluated.”

While some want to keep and honor the traditional mascot, others are seeking to change the narrative and evaluate different sides of the matter. 

“Native American groups across the country have consistently condemned the use of cultural mascots as degrading and offensive, and if a group says it feels disrespected or harmed, then saying that the action is ‘honoring’ them ignores their experience,” English teacher Mr. Wanninger said. “Insisting you know better than Native people what should honor them is insulting. In addition, the whole argument that we are ‘honoring’ a culture means we are refocusing the debate on what the majority culture feels instead of listening.”

What’s next?

Illinois now awaits for the action of the Senate and, if approved, then taken to Governor Pritzker. If it is not passed in the Senate, the bill is dead.

“I think there are people who are on both sides of the issue. But one thing is for sure: It will change our identity. Change isn’t good or bad, it’s just different. Right or wrong, that identity is something that has been alive for close to 100 years now,” Shaman said.

Gallery • 7 Photos

Displayed in the library at LFHS