“Three local high schools and a middle school must change their native American names and mascots by next year, following a vote by the Los Angeles Unified School District Board. The board’s resolution stated that “the use of American Indian mascot names and images in schools evokes negative images that become deeply embedded in the minds of students, depicting American Indians in inaccurate, stereotypic and often violent manners.”
The mascots that must be changed are the University High Warriors, Birmingham High Braves, Gardena High Mohicans and Wilmington Middle School Warriors. The school board will pay for “reasonable costs” of such changes, the resolution stated. Costs include repainting the mascots and changing varsity uniforms. The schools must work with the district’s Office of Intergroup Relations to select new mascots.
Native Americans are pleased with the decision
“I’m happy to know something is being done to get rid of any team holding on to a Native American name as their mascot. It’s a step for us to gain respect from the community,” said Pamela Villasenor, 17, a student at Granada Hills High School who comes from the tribe Fernardino/Tatavim. She said, “It’s weird having my people’s names used as sport mascot names in a country where we’re treated so badly. I can’t understand why others wouldn’t acknowledge the fact that it hurts and really offends us when phrases such as ‘stomp the Warriors’ or ‘stomp the Braves’ are used. Many people have never stopped to think about the sacred culture some of these names represent.”
Although many are excited about the change, students such as Darren Chandler, a senior at University High School said, “I can understand why people would want to change but I think it is becoming too big of a deal.”
Activist Lori Nelson of the National Conference, which sponsors the annual Brotherhood /Sisterhood workshop, was among those working for the change. Nelson explained how her group feels that it is wrong for any group of people to feel as if they are being mocked or made fun of. She expressed regret that students had not been more involved in the process of change.
Some alums oppose the change
Many are opposed to the idea of change. According to the Birmingham Courier, at a meeting regarding this issue in February, Birmingham High athletic director Louis Ramirez stated, “The school mascot and name were chosen with respect, honoring the influence on American life.” After this meeting, Birmingham agreed to change the image, but not the name. (The board’s decision requires the school to change both the image and the name.) Many alumni also feel tied to the name and tradition which has been a part of their lives for so long. Jim Pitillo, a 1964 graduate of Birmingham High School and a Birmingham Dads Club booster, wrote to the LA Times saying, “As the new school year approaches and the football season begins, I invite any patriot to be in the stadium while “The Star Spangled Banner” is played before each game. I would like them to feel the pride and respect that wells up from the crowd at the conclusion, as they stand in the “Home of the Brave.”
Starting this September, schools will choose new mascots and changes will begin. According to Mrs. McCarthy, Gardena Student Activities Director, there “…will be a transition within this first school year or the end of the school term. During the ’99 school year more than likely, we’ll be done.”
Despite their differing opinions, within the next few years the students, alumni, parents, and administrators at University, Birmingham, Gardena and Wilmington will have to adapt to new mascots, uniforms, cheers, and murals. For some this will be a sad ending to an old tradition, but for others it will be a new beginning of respect and admiration for a culture that represents much American history and tradition.”