'Warriors' becoming 'Patriots' at Harvest Park 'Warriors' becoming 'Patriots' at Harvest Park (June 07, 2002)

Middle School feels it's 'the right thing to do'
by Teresa Brown

In spite of the fact that a bill seeking to ban American Indian mascots in California public schools failed to pass the state Assembly last week, Harvest Park Middle School will carry forward with its plan to do away with its "Warriors" nickname.

"We feel it is the right thing to do," said Harvest Park Principal Jim Hansen. Many Native Americans associate a negative feeling with these mascots, he said, and they want to respect their feelings. Instead, the school will be known as the "Patriots."

The decision to change mascots, Hansen said, had nothing to do with the recent Assembly Bill 2115. The bill, introduced by Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg (D-Los Angeles), sought to prohibit the mascot use of Native American-related names, such as chiefs, braves, Indians, Apaches and Comanches.

Had the bill passed, the law would have affected all public schools, including elementary, middle and high schools, community colleges and both California State University and University of California campus systems.

The measure failed to gain enough support and was defeated in a 35-29 vote May 28. Assembly members representing Pleasanton had a split vote, with Lynne Leach (R-15th) voting nay, Ellen Corbett (D-18th) voting aye, and John Dutra (D-20th) not voting.

Hansen said that discussion at Harvest Park to change its mascot began in the fall of 2000, with a final approving vote taking place this February.

The school's student council handled the new mascot selection process, and the final choice was decided by popular vote of students and faculty at the school.

Hansen said the school will make the change gradually, phasing out the Warrior mascot in favor of the Patriots. "We'll do it as we're able," he said. "It'll take some time."

Nothing will be added to the school's budget to cover the expense, Hansen said. He anticipates that completely converting to the new mascot will take about two years.

Despite the controversy swirling in the media in the days before the Assembly vote, Hansen said no one has ever complained to him about the school's "Warrior" nickname. That name, however, has not had a long history with the school, he noted. The original mascot, he said, was "Crusaders," which was changed to "Warriors" 10 years ago.