Tiny high school goes to war with Gavin Newsom to bring back its ‘Indians’ mascot

A tiny Northern California high school in Yuba County is making a last-ditch effort to revive its “Indians” mascot after a law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom forced schools to stop using Native American mascots.

Marysville High School in Marysville, CA removed the “Indians” mascot from official use after the law took effect in July, but officials say they are still pursuing the one exemption that could allow its return, reported FOX40.

The law, signed by Newsom in September 2024, bars California public schools from using what it describes as “derogatory Native American” terms for mascots and sports teams.

Schools can keep an existing mascot if they obtain written consent from a federally recognized tribe.

Superintendent Jordan Reeves said the Marysville Joint Unified School District plans to seek that exemption despite an initial setback.

“The Marysville Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees recognizes the deep history and tradition associated with the Indians mascot and acknowledges the strong connection many alumni, students, staff, and community members have to it,” Reeves said in a June 30 statement.

District officials previously met with tribal representatives in an effort to obtain the required approval, but Reeves said they “chose to remain neutral regarding the district’s request.”

According to the California State Geoportal, the nearest federally recognized tribe to Marysville is Enterprise Rancheria, located south of Olivehurst.

The district said it will continue seeking written consent from a local federally recognized tribe in hopes of restoring the mascot.

The 2024 American Community Survey found that 1.9% of Marysville residents identified as American Indian or Alaska Native.

“Marysville High School remains committed to honoring its proud traditions while continuing to serve students and uphold the long-standing values and expectations of the Marysville community,” Reeves said.