California school abandons Apache mascot after outcry
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Northern California school will no longer use a Native American as its mascot after critics decried it as offensive.
The board of the Vallejo City Unified School District voted unanimously Wednesday to stop using the Apache mascot at Vallejo High School. The Times-Herald of Vallejo reports that the mascot will be retired after graduation in June, and it will not appear on any new paraphernalia the school orders.
Board member Ward Stewart said he and his classmates did not think they were being disrespectful to the Apache during his school days in Vallejo. But he said the mascot was nonetheless dehumanizing and insensitive.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Supporters said the mascot honored the Apache.
Students and staff will have an opportunity to choose a new mascot.