New mascot design concept for Clairemont High School focusing on inclusivity.
Clairemont High School in San Diego will be changing its long-standing mascot, the ‘Chieftains,’ due to a new California law promoting respect for Native American communities. Starting July 2026, the name will be prohibited under AB 3074. This initiative is aimed at fostering inclusivity and transparency, with community involvement in the renaming process. Principal Karly Johnstone emphasizes the importance of student voices as the school moves towards selecting a new mascot that reflects unity and pride.
In the sunny city of San Diego, an exciting transformation is on the horizon for Clairemont High School as they prepare to change their long-standing mascot, the Chieftains. This shift comes in response to a new California law aimed at promoting respect and dignity toward Native American communities. Yes, you heard that right! Under the latest legislation, derogatory Native American terms in public schools are officially out, and the Chieftain name is among those that need to go.
The law, known as AB 3074, will be put into place starting in July 2026. The San Diego Unified School District’s Board President has confirmed that “Chieftain” will officially be deemed as a prohibited name under this new rule. This means that Clairemont High is embarking on a journey to find a new mascot that reflects unity and respect.
The push for this change has been strongly supported by the district’s Indian Education Program, which has pointed out the historical ties of anti-Indigenous racism linked to the mascot. It’s a significant moment for the school to look ahead towards a more inclusive future while addressing the past.
In addition to the mascot change, the San Diego Unified School District is also revamping their school naming processes. The proposed updates are set to be voted on, with the goal of enhancing transparency in how schools choose to name or rename their facilities. This comes in light of past grievances about how those processes were handled.
As part of these enlightening new guidelines, names that are considered for schools need to either celebrate outstanding contributions to the school community or have geographical significance. To ensure that everyone has a say, a community-driven committee will review any proposals for name changes. This committee could consist of up to ten members, including educators, students, and local community members.
When schools decide to initiate a name change, they’ll have to factor in costs and ensure fairness, belonging, and empowerment within the community. The process will also require community involvement through both electronic surveys and public hearings. It’s important to note that at least a minimum of 10% participation from local members is needed for these engagement efforts to be considered valid.
In order to keep everything above board, the results from surveys will be shared publicly without any identifying information, providing a clear path to transparency throughout the renaming process. Additionally, the district will only process one renaming proposal for each school year, ensuring they handle these changes with care and deliberation.
Principal Karly Johnstone has mentioned that discussions regarding a mascot change have been on the table since she joined Clairemont High School three years ago. With local tribes and tribal members expressing their support for the mascot change, the school community is rallying behind the idea of progress.
There’s a clear effort from board members to include student voices in the renaming conversations. It’s a vital aspect in shaping how students feel connected to their school. The district faced criticism before for not being transparent during the renaming process of Henry Clay Elementary, which was renamed to honor a notable figure in education. This time around, they’re determined to do better.
As they move forward, school leaders are emphasizing the importance of a transparent process to comply with the Brown Act, which mandates that public meetings be open. The overarching goal of these changes is to reflect both cultural and historical significance in school naming, fostering an environment woven with respect and recognition.
Exciting times are ahead for all of Clairemont High School! With the community involved and changes on the way, it won’t be long before we see a new mascot that embodies unity and pride.
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