New California bill aims to rid school 'redskins' mascots

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A new bill being considered in the California legislature could ban all public schools in the state from using "Redskins" as their mascots, saying the name is racist.

Right now three of the four remaining schools in California that have the Redskins mascot are right here in the Central Valley.

One school, though, is standing by the name "Redskins." Tulare Union High School has had the Redskins mascot for more than 100 years and students and staff there have no desire to change it. In fact, they say being a "Redskin" is a positive thing and the basis for school spirit and values at the school.

At Tulare Union High School, the Redskins mascot is painted on walls, depicted in artwork, portrayed in statues and on nearly every poster at school. For students at staff, being a Redskin has deep roots. Athletes, like the basketball team here at Tulare Union, are proud to call themselves Redskins and represent the Native American name.

Head basketball coach Mark Hatton said, "What we say is we're born a Redskin and we'll die a Redskin."

ASB President David John Macedo, a senior, said, "It's a driving force behind our athletics, our academics and every aspect of our school."

Assemblyman Luis Alejo, a Democrat from Watsonville, wants to eliminate the "Redskin" from all California public schools who use it as a mascot. AB-30 was introduced this month and would require the schools to phase out the Redskin name by 2017.

Hatton said, "I just know that this is a continued debate that we've had and I resent the implication. We've been doing it right for over 100 years."

Action News headed to Tulare Union back in October for Friday Morning Football where students showed off a traditional Native American spirit dance often performed during pep rallies and other school events. School officials say they will try and keep their Redskin mascot and call the bill extremely upsetting.

Principal Michelle Nunley is Native American and says the school works with local tribes to make sure they accurately depict the Redskin.

"They have been extremely supportive," said Nunley. "Yes, every time they've done visits to our campus or talked to us they always have great things to say and thank us for the way we are portraying being a Redskin."

Macedo said, "I don't find the racial content in it because Redskins to Native Americans are warriors and they're strong-hearted people, brave hearts and I just feel like that is such a pride to have."

The legislation will likely be considered in 2015. Similar bills have tried to gain approval in the past.

The two other Central Valley schools that have the Redskins mascot are Chowchilla High School and Gustine High School.