To: FJUHSD Board Members, Steve McLaughlin, Superintendent, John Caffrey, Principal, Audrina Gomez, ASB President, Kimberley Harris, Tribe Tribune Adviser, and Fullerton Observer:
State law (AB 3074) now requires all Native American nicknames to be dropped by public school athletic teams by July 1, 2026. The law bans “Indians” and even the word “Tribe.” It’s time to look at the best options for Fullerton High School. As a second-generation alumnus, former ASB President, athlete, and Wall of Fame Member at FUHS, I propose a new nickname: The Fullerton Fenders.
Fullerton Fenders would honor the technological and cultural contributions of alumnus Leo Fender, Class of 1928. It would recognize his namesake invention, the Fender Guitar, and its role in the development of rock music and its ongoing impact on international culture. Just one block from campus is the permanent Fender Exhibition at the Fullerton Museum Center. It could also lead to corporate sponsorships and a beneficial relationship with the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, now headquartered in Corona.
Fullerton Fenders is unique—we would be the only high school in the country with this nickname. It is an alliteration and easy to say. Our mascot could be the Fender guitar itself, or someone playing a guitar on the sideline. The word fender itself is defined as one who “fends off, repels.” It could mean an athlete defending a goal, or a car fender. It would allow future pep squads to use their imagination on how it’s portrayed.
Enclosed are some examples of how our new mascot could be portrayed. There is plenty of time for a comprehensive process involving students, coaches, faculty, administration, and alumni in the new nickname selection process. It should be deliberate and thoughtful. We need to take advantage of this opportunity to select something creative, unique, and reflective of Fullerton’s heritage.
The Fullerton Fenders do all this. Fight On, Fenders!
Sincerely, Chris Norby ‘68
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Categories: Community Voices, Education, Local Government, Local News
That’s a great suggestion, Chris. Leo definitely deserves his due here in Fullerton.
I believe that AB3074 violates the guarantee of free speech.
I disagree with this. I do not know anyone in my culture or any others who feel that the use of Native America names is shameful. We use them respectfully. I am a Commanche and wil always be one. My people were indigenous and I am proud to see Native American named as well as Spanish names all over the USA.
The Seminole Tribe in FL wanted the college to change their name; Washington NFL team had to change theirs from Redskins to Commanders (although I grew up with them being called Redskins; Commanders works too; especially with the president being called: Commander-in-Chief).
I like the sound of Fullerton Fenders but, to most folks, “fender” means car fender first and foremost. The thing that gets dented or smashed.
Proof positive we need part t time legislators. They have too much time on their hands.
It really doesn’t take that much attention to pass laws like this. When people say things like that it generally means they simply don’t agree with the law. That I can respect even though I disagree.
But we should expect legislators to walk and chew gum. It’s fine.