In a unanimous vote last week, the San Diego Unified Board of Education revised its Administrative Regulation and Board Policy 7310 to provide clearer direction on changes to school names and mascots. This change comes after the 2024 passage of Assembly Bill 3074 (AB3074), which prohibits “using any derogatory Native American term” and after several dust-ups over the years involving district school name changes.

Under this new state and district policy, Clairemont High will be the first school in the district to change its current mascot name, the Chieftains.

“Progress is acknowledging the flaws in the system and taking steps to improve upon the decisions of the past,” said Sabrina Bazzo, trustee, of the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education. “This new policy will ensure clearer direction and guidance is provided to change the names of our schools and mascot while also reinforcing our commitment as a District to equity and belonging.”

Under the new Administrative Regulation and Board Policy 7310, before initiating a new school name or mascot, a school site and/or its members of the school community should consider the following:

• If a school name or mascot reflects historical harm or exclusion, the school’s name or mascot should be reevaluated by the school site and/or members of the school community.
• The criteria for a school name or mascot change should include guiding principles rooted in equity, belonging, and community empowerment.
• A school name or school mascot change should reflect cultural, historical, or community significance that can inspire generations for centuries to come that shall include the following criteria as guiding principles:
  • Individuals and entities that have made outstanding contributions, including financial contributions, to the school community.
  • Individuals who have made contributions of statewide, national, or worldwide significance.
  • The geographic area in which the school or building is located.
• Any proposed school name or mascot change must also include an evaluation of costs for signage, uniforms, and other associated charges.

Other components include establishing a 10-person naming committee; a minimum of two public input sessions must be held by the school, with input being submitted to the naming committee; and the Board of Education will vote on the final name after the name is voted on the community will be notified

CLAIREMONT MASCOT CHANGE

“We understand that for some in our school community, this change will be difficult,” said Karly Johnstone, principal, of Clairemont High School. “Our commitment is to a process that honors our school’s history and includes input from all members of our school community while moving forward with respect and unity.”

Clairemont High is conducting the mascot change in partnership with local tribal leaders (see their letter) and the broader school community.

The process for the Clairemont High mascot change is as follows:

1. In August, Clairemont High will be forming a representative committee to guide the mascot transition and will launch a dedicated webpage with complete information regarding this process.
2. From September through December 2025, Clairemont High will hold listening sessions and surveys to gather community input.
3. A decision on the new mascot will be made by January 2026, with implementation beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

To learn more about Clairemont High, haga clic aquí, and to learn more about the San Diego Unified School District, haga clic aquí.