Full Breakdown
Marysville High School Forced to Retire “Indians” Mascot Under California’s Expanded Racial Mascot Act
7/8/2026, 4:57:05 AM
Core Event: Law Enforcement and Mascot Removal
In 2024 Governor Gavin Newsom signed an extension of the California Racial Mascot Act (Assembly Bill 3074). The amendment prohibits public schools from using any term deemed a “derogatory Native American term” as a school or athletic team name, mascot, or nickname unless the school is operated by a tribe or has written consent from a federally recognized tribe. The law took effect on a Wednesday in 2024, prompting the Marysville Joint Unified School District to retire the “Indians” mascot that had been in use for nearly a century.
Background & Context: Evolution of the State Law
California first banned the slur “Redskins” in 2015 and extended the prohibition to the term in 2017. The 2024 revision added a broader list of prohibited terms, including “Apaches, Big Reds, Braves, Chiefs, Chieftains, Chippewa, Comanches, Indians, Savages, Squaw and Tribe.” Lawmakers framed the change as a means to prevent cultural mockery and to spark statewide conversation about Indigenous representation.
Data & Statistics: Scope of the Mandate
- More than two dozen California schools are named after Native American tribes; hundreds of mascots use the newly banned terms.
- State data show fewer than 25,000 of the 5.7 million public-school students identify as Native American.
- The bill’s text specifies that “derogatory Native American term” is not limited to the enumerated list, allowing broader interpretation.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Newsom’s office highlighted the law as a step toward “respectful representation.” Superintendent Jordan Reeves of the Marysville Joint Unified School District said the district has met with local tribal representatives but has not secured written consent before the deadline. Fresno Unified School District described a “comprehensive engagement process” that led to the change of three mascots, while Fullerton High School in Orange County is completing a two-year effort to replace its Indian mascot after tribal approval was denied. Clovis Unified School District noted that the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians authorized continued use of the “Chieftains” mascot at Clark Intermediate School.
Criticism & Opposition
Alumni and community members in Marysville argued that the mascot honored local history and was viewed with respect by students. Track-and-field coach and alumnus Marcy Tarr contended that the “Indians” symbol represented good leadership. The district’s statement emphasized a commitment to preserving tradition while seeking tribal permission.
On-the-Ground Reports
Native-American student Julia Estrada of Hart High School in Santa Clarita testified that the former “Indian” mascot subjected her to mockery, including classmates making “whooping noises” from a teepee at pep rallies. Assemblymember James Ramos, co-author of the legislation, described the issue as extending beyond nomenclature to the broader sense of belonging for Indigenous students.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Marysville has not obtained tribal consent, whereas Clovis and Sanger districts have received written approvals from the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians and the Lipan Apache Band, respectively. The law’s definition of “derogatory” remains open-ended, leading to divergent interpretations among districts and tribes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Jordan Reeves, Superintendent
- “I do remember the Indian Way and how it was built (with) respect and (to) hold your head high,” — Marcy Tarr, track-and-field coach, alumnus
- “There are people who are really being harmed by it, and that’s why we have to have this conversation. We have to … make sure that that education happens.” — Pilar Schiavo, Assemblymember (D-Santa Clarita)
- “We were especially intentional about listening to our Native American students and families, whose perspectives helped deepen our understanding and guide the process,” — Ryan Duff, principal, Tenaya Middle School
- “It gives us honor because you’re doing it in a respectful and honorable way,” — Richard Gonzalez, chief, Lipan Apache Band
What’s Next: Ongoing Compliance and Legal Challenges
Marysville officials say the district will continue pursuing written tribal permission to reinstate the mascot, while a Native-American advocacy group has announced plans to challenge the law before the U.S. Supreme Court. Across the state, districts are completing engagement processes, updating curricula, and monitoring compliance as the 2024 deadline passes.
