New Coachella Valley High School Mascot Logo Revealed
Coachella Valley High School has a new mascot logo and nickname.
The changes come after months of controversey over the school’s mascot with the Arab Snti-discrimination Committee calling it “stereotypical and offensive.” The school will now be known as the “Mighty Arabs ” but some students aren’t happy about the change.
“It’s more modern of course, but the old one means so much to the people that its different and they don’t like it,” said CVHS student Arely Ayala.
The school district voted in favor of the new image this week. This isn’t the first time the image has been altered, since it’s adoption in the 30’s – the logo has undergone several changes.
“This last one, obviously before we just changed it recently, was I guess really not seen just as a football team aggressive mascot, it was seen as an offensive symbol,” said Superintendent Dr. Darryl Adams of the Coachella Valley Unified School District.
The American Arab Anti-discrimination Committee called on the school district last year to change it saying the former mascot was demeaning.
“I’m sure there are those for it and those who do not agree, but when it comes down to it, we as a school community and board of trustees want to do the right thing and we never want to be seen as people who would stereotype or offend any group,” Adams said.
Adams says the district worked with administrators, alumni groups, students, parents and staff to come up with the new logo, and the ADA is happy with the changes.
“They’re thrilled and their community is thrilled as well, and we’re going to be having a press conference with them in the near future,” Superintendent Adams added.
The district says it’ll take some time to see the changes with the new logo, they need funds to change the images on the buildings on campus and school sports uniforms. They hope to raise the money from private donations and will not be at tax-payers expense.
The student body is also working with the high school’s principal on what the new mascot at games will look like.
“It definitely has to be something that resembles the new mascot, and be a much more dignified representation,” Superintendent Adams said.
Meanwhile, supporters say the mascot is only meant to honor the Arab culture, and they’re ultimately happy a decision was finally made..
“I’m glad they didn’t take it out completely, said Coachella Valley High School alumnus and parent, James Soliz,”They probably overreacted, they probably put too much time into it, and I think they should be happy with this logo, has a lot of respect into it,” he said.
Superintendent Adams says, along with the ADC, they hope to serve as role models in how to handle these types of situations, and looks forward to working with the ADC in further educating students, the community and others about the proud peoples of Arab cultures and traditions.
