The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education will change the nickname for Clairemont High School's athletic teams from Chieftains to Captains to comply with a California state law banning the use of any derogatory Native American terms.
The proposed new nickname was selected "after a nearly yearlong community engagement process," according to the district.
In a letter to board trustees, Clairemont Principal Karly Johnstone wrote that the Captain's nickname "was chosen largely for its inclusive application and being a title students can strive to attain."
"Though Captains is a human reference, we are looking for our mascot to be a gender-neutral animal or symbol that will represent the inclusive culture of Clairemont High School and we look forward to working this into our school culture," Johnstone added.
The change will take effect for the 2026-27 school year, according to SDUSD.
San Diego Unified and Clairemont High School first considered changing the nickname last April, after the Board of Education revised an administrative regulation and policy "to provide clearer direction on changes to school names and mascots."
According to the board policy, before changing a school name or mascot, the school leaders should consider:
- If a school name or nickname reflects historical harm or exclusion;
- Including the principles of equity, belonging and community empowerment;
- Cultural, historical, or community significance; and
- Any proposed school name or nickname change must also include an evaluation of costs for signage, uniforms, or other associated charges.
To avoid criticism over proposed nickname changes, district leaders said they "were determined to ensure this time would be different," with "a very active community engagement effort," including:
- A 10-person naming committee featuring a board representative, area superintendent, site principal and athletic director, teacher and two community members and two students;
- An open call for nickname suggestions, which were then discussed during town halls, was made to determine further consideration.
- Six town hall meetings were also live-streamed.
- A community survey on the final four names, with over 500 responses, and
- Regular updates on the Clairemont High Mascot Rebranding web page.
Sabrina Bazzo, SDUSD board vice president, described the process as "comprehensive and inclusive."
(photo: abc 10)