San Diego Unified bans derogatory Native American terms from school names, mascots
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — After California amended its law last year prohibiting public schools and athletic teams from using derogatory Native American terms, the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education voted this week to revise its naming and mascot policy, impacting several district schools.
In a unanimous vote, the SD Unified Board on Tuesday night revised its 'naming of facilities and mascots' policy — Administrative Regulation and Board Policy 7310. This comes after the state of California in 2024 amended Assembly Bill 3074 (AB3074) — known as the California Racial Mascots Act — which prohibits K-12 public schools and athletic teams from using derogatory Native American terms starting in 2026.
Clairemont High School will now be the first school in the San Diego Unified School District to change its mascot from its current chieftain mascot under the new state and district policy.
In addition to Clairemont High School, the law is also expected to impact a handful of SDUSD schools. The law does, however, exempt public schools operated by an Indian tribe or a tribal organization.
SDUSD voting on plan to replace Native American school mascots
In August, Clairemont High School will form a committee and will be launching a webpage for information on the mascot transition process, according to the district.
Then, from September to December 2025, the high school will be hosting community listening sessions and surveys.
The school district says the decision on Clairmont High School's new mascot will be made by January 2026, and is expected to be implemented for the 2026-27 school year.
'We understand that for some in our school community, this change will be difficult,' said KarlyJohnstone, Principal, Clairemont High School. 'Our commitment is to a process that honors our school's history and includes input from all members of our school community while moving forward with respect and unity.'
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According to the district, Clairemont High School will be conducting the mascot change in partnership with local tribal leaders and the broader school community.
The SDUSD Board of Education is advising schools to consider the following before initiating a new school name or mascot:
Reevaluate the school name or mascot if it reflects historical harm or exclusion
A school name or mascot change should include guiding principles rooted in equity, belonging, and community empowerment
A school name or school mascot change should reflect cultural, historical, or community significance that can inspire generations:
Individuals and entities that have made outstanding contributions, including financial contributions, to the school community
Individuals who have made contributions of statewide, national, or worldwide significance
The geographic area in which the school or building is located
Evaluate costs for signage, uniforms, and other associated charges before proposing a school or mascot change
The district says schools would also need to establish a 10-person naming committee and hold a minimum of two public input sessions, with input being submitted to the naming committee.
The Board of Education will vote on the final name, then the community will be notified at that point.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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