News Summary
The San Diego Unified School Board has unanimously voted to ban Native American terms as school mascots, aligning with California’s 2024 Assembly Bill 3074. This ruling affects several schools, prompting community input on new mascot names. The decision marks a significant step towards cultural sensitivity and respect for indigenous communities, requiring over 100 schools statewide to change their mascots by the 2026-2027 school year.
San Diego – The San Diego Unified School Board has made a significant decision, voting unanimously to ban the use of Native American terms as school mascots across the district. This action aligns with California’s new legislation, the 2024 Assembly Bill 3074, also referred to as the California Racial Mascots Act, that prohibits derogatory names for school mascots statewide.
This new ruling will impact several schools within the district, including Clairemont High School, which has been known as the Chieftains. The ruling affects six other schools in San Diego County that feature Native American-themed mascots: El Cajon Valley High School (Braves), Montgomery High School (Aztecs), MAAC Community Charter School (Eagle Warriors), Potter Junior High School (Braves), and Fallbrook Union High School (Warriors).
The California Racial Mascots Act specifically prohibits the use of names that are considered disrespectful or derogatory, including terms such as Apaches, Big Reds, Braves, Chiefs, Chieftains, Chippewa, Comanches, Indians, Savages, Squaw, and Tribe. Over 100 schools throughout California will be required to change their mascots by the 2026-2027 school year, responding to a growing recognition of cultural sensitivity and respect for indigenous communities.
Implications for Local Schools
As a result of this new decision, schools within the San Diego Unified School District will have to update signage and uniforms, removing all imagery associated with their former mascots. The district has committed to covering the costs associated with these changes. Clairemont High School will begin the process of selecting a new mascot by forming a ten-person naming committee in August, and they plan to create a dedicated webpage for the community to follow the changes.
From September to December, Clairemont High School will hold listening sessions and surveys to gather community input about the new mascot, ensuring that the naming process reflects the values and insights of local stakeholders. In January 2026, the Board of Education is expected to finalize the choice of new mascot, ensuring ample opportunity for community feedback throughout the process.
Focus on Representation and Community Input
The decision by the school board aims to foster an educational environment where all students feel comfortable and represented. Trustee Sabrina Bazzo has underscored the importance of addressing cultural sensitivities and the wider implications for student morale and self-image within schools. Discussions surrounding mascot changes have been heavily influenced by concerns expressed by local tribal leaders regarding anti-Indigenous racism and the impact of negative stereotypes on educational spaces.
The school district has established a framework for a transparent, community-driven approach to the naming process. They will only process one name change proposal per school year to ensure financial stability. Additionally, any proposal for a name change must include a statement justifying the need for the change, alongside community engagement efforts such as surveys and public hearings to promote dialogue and understanding.
Broader Context of the Legislation
The push for the California Racial Mascots Act and actions by school districts like San Diego’s reflect a broader movement across the nation aimed at dismantling harmful stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive educational environment. Over the years, many schools have grappled with the appropriateness of their mascots, leading to increased scrutiny and calls for change from communities, educational leaders, and indigenous advocates.
As the San Diego Unified School District embarks on this transition, it highlights a critical moment in re-evaluating school identities and the significance behind them. The collaboration with community members and attention to cultural significance are vital aspects of ensuring that the new mascots will honor the local heritage while fostering an inclusive atmosphere for all students.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego School District Revises Renaming Procedures
Clairemont High School’s Mascot Faces Renaming Due to New Law
San Diego Unified School District Announces New Community Schools
Clairemont High School to Change Mascot
Additional Resources
- CBS 8
- NBC San Diego
- San Diego Union-Tribune
- Wikipedia: Cultural Sensitivity
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Google Search: California Racial Mascots Act
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
