Clark Intermediate will replace Chieftains mascot, aligning with law and community input

Clark Intermediate moved toward retiring its longtime Chieftains mascot after staff recommended a name change in response to new state law and months of community outreach. The action follows Assembly Bill 3074, the California Racial Mascots Act, which prohibits public schools from using derogatory Native American terms as school or athletic team names, mascots or nicknames. Schools run by sovereign tribal entities are exempt.

Clark students and alumni have carried the Chieftains identity since the school opened more than 50 years ago, and district officials said the decision weighed that history against the intent of the law and feedback gathered over the last half year from Indigenous people and other community members. Clovis Unified Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants explained the legal context and the local conversations. "This one bill in particular expanded to Indigenous People's mascots. While the bill itself is a little bit vague, the examples that were given included the Chiefs. We here at Clark are the Chieftains," Avants said. Avants added that staff heard pride in the name but also concerns about how chants and competition can become disrespectful. "I think our kids have been proud to be known as the Chieftains, but we recognize too that, and in talking with indigenous peoples over the last about half year, we also recognize that in the course of competing with others, and how field of competition and the calls and the chants and things can become less respectful in what's done to the school," she said.

At its November 12 meeting district staff formally recommended aligning Clark Intermediate with Clovis High by adopting the Cougars mascot. Avants said students would keep their school colors and that the idea was broadly well received in discussions. "They keep their school colors, they keep that classic seed that's so popular. For our students and community, that was really well received. That's been something that consistently was coming out in those conversations, so that again, they recognize that if we have that opportunity, it's a great idea," she said. If the school board approves the recommendation at its December 12 meeting, Clark would begin using the new mascot next school year.

The law requires schools to remove banned names by July 1, 2026. The state does not provide funding for changes, though it allows a two year grace period to phase out items such as uniforms. District officials said they are still calculating exact costs and do not plan to take the full two years to transition. For families and community members this decision touches identity, school culture and household expenses for spirit wear and athletics. Supporters of the change frame it as an equity measure that reduces harm to Indigenous students and promotes a respectful school climate. Opponents may view it as erasing tradition, creating a debate district leaders say they will continue to manage as they implement the law.