California high school battles Newsom’s state law ordering it to change ‘Indians’ mascot

A high school in Northern California is pushing back on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest law that forced it to remove its “Indians” mascot on Wednesday.

In 2024, Newsom signed into law an extension of the California Racial Mascot Act, which prohibits public schools from using “any derogatory Native American term, as defined, as a school or athletic team name, mascot, or nickname” except for schools operated by an Indian tribe or tribal organization or with consent from a federally recognized tribe.

The law officially went into effect on Wednesday, leading Marysville High School to retire its “Indians” mascot after nearly 100 years.

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Marysville High School was among several schools in California forced to retire its mascot. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images; National Congress of American Indians NCAI.org screenshot)

“The Marysville Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees recognizes the deep history and tradition associated with the Indians mascot and acknowledges the strong connection many alumni, students, staff, and community members have to it,” Marysville Joint Unified School District Superintendent Jordan Reeves said in a statement last week.

Reeves added that the school has met with local tribal representatives to obtain written consent but was unable to secure consent before the law took effect. According to Reeves, tribal leaders have largely chosen to remain neutral on the subject for now.

Currently, the school has no plans to replace its mascot and will continue to try to obtain consent for their traditional image.

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill that prohibits public schools from using Native American mascots. (Getty Images)

“Marysville Joint Unified School District will continue pursuing opportunities to obtain written permission from a local, federally recognized tribe that would allow Marysville High School to retain its historic mascot under the provisions of state law. Marysville High School remains committed to honoring its proud traditions while continuing to serve students and uphold the long-standing values and expectations of the Marysville community,” Reeves said.

In an interview with The Appeal-Democrat on Wednesday, alumni and school employees disagreed with the idea of removing the mascot and argued that students mostly viewed the image with respect.

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Marysville High School has promised to keep the mascot in accordance with Newsom’s law. (Carlin Stiehl/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

“I do remember the Indian Way and how it was built (with) respect and (to) hold your head high,” track and field coach and alumnus Marcy Tarr said. “Indians were good leaders.”

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Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom’s office and Reeves for additional comment but did not immediately receive a response.