The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education on Tuesday will consider changing the nickname of the Claremont High School athletic teams from Chiefs to Captains to comply with a state law prohibiting the use of any derogatory Native American term.
According to the district, the proposed new nickname was chosen “after a nearly year-long community engagement process.”
In a letter to board trustees, Claremont President Karly Johnstone wrote that the captain’s moniker “was chosen primarily for its inclusive application and as a title that students can work toward.”
Johnstone added: “While Captains is a human reference, we wanted our mascot to be a gender-neutral animal or symbol to represent Claremont High School’s inclusive culture, which we look forward to integrating into our school culture.”
If approved by the school board, the change would take effect in the 2026-27 school year, according to SDUSD.
San Diego Unified and Claremont high schools first considered changing their nicknames last April after the Board of Education revised an administrative code and policy to “provide clearer guidance on changes to school names and mascots.”
According to board policy, before changing a school’s name or mascot, school leaders should consider:
— If the school name or nickname reflects historical harm or exclusion;
—Includes principles of equity, belonging and community empowerment;
— cultural, historical or community significance; and
— Any proposed change to a school’s name or nickname must also include an assessment of the costs of signage, uniforms or other related expenses.
To avoid criticism for the proposed nickname change, district leaders said they were “determined to make sure this time is different” and were undertaking a “very active community engagement effort” including:
— A 10-member naming committee that includes a board representative, district superintendent, grounds principal and athletic director, teachers and two community members and two students;
– An open call for nickname suggestions, followed by a town hall discussion to determine further consideration;
–Six town hall meetings were also broadcast live;
–A community survey on the final four names, which received more than 500 responses; and
— The Clairemont High mascot rebranding webpage is updated regularly.
SDUSD Board Vice President Sabrina Bazzo described the process as “comprehensive and inclusive.”
“Change is difficult, but our Claremont High School students, staff, staff and community have been incredible in the name change process,” Bazo said.
Bazo congratulated Johnstone, the students and the school community for their collaborative effort.
“It wasn’t always easy, but all voices were heard and we came to a consensus that Captain Claremont is a mascot that everyone can be proud of and support,” she added.
“Claremont High School is the first school in the district to implement a mascot name change in compliance with new state and district policies,” they added.
According to SDUSD, local tribal leaders sent a letter supporting the change.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. in the Eugene Bruckner Education Center Auditorium, 4100 Normal St.
The proposed nickname change is the fifth item on the agenda, listed under operational matters.