At the October 14 FJUHSD Board meeting, public comments addressed current FUHS efforts to replace the Indian/Tribe mascot instituted in 1925. Students and staff have discussed the mascot issue for over 20 years, trying to engage in discussion while celebrating local indigenous culture, but now the Indian/Tribe slogan violates current state law.

Earlier this year, FUHS Principal Jon Caffrey contacted local federally recognized indigenous tribes to see if FUHS could obtain a waiver for the long-time mascot slogan and figure, currently represented by a buffalo. The October FUHS online paper, Tribe Tribune, reported the waiver request failed, and the Associated Student Body, led by ASB President Shanelle Thompson and Principal Caffrey, formed a special mascot exploratory committee consisting of students, staff, parents, and community members.

In October, the student-led committee met 3 times and sent out a survey to gather input on new mascot suggestions and the values FUHS students want it to represent. FUHS parent Chris Norby suggested using the “Fenders” honoring the musical legacy of Fender Guitar in Fullerton, or the “Flyers” for the airport, both honoring the Fullerton community and FUHS alumni.

Because the new mascot process was not on the FJUHSD board agenda, trustees could not reply to Mr. Norby’s comments. Principal Caffrey has not publicly reported on the mascot transition during his board briefings.

The next Mascot Community meeting, which includes voting on the five mascot finalists, will be at FUHS on December 15. Call Principal Jon Caffrey’s office at 714) 626-3803 or email: jcaffrey@fjuhsd.org for more information.

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