CLOVIS, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A Clovis Unified school, which was preparing to change its mascot to comply with state law, is now able to keep its original mascot thanks to the backing of a local tribe.
Last month, YourCentralValley.com reported that Clark Intermediate School would need to change its current mascot, the “Chieftains,” to comply with the California Racial Mascots Act.
At the time, Clovis Unified said it would use the opportunity to align the school’s mascot with the Clovis High Cougars – creating the Clark Cougars. However, the district announced on Friday that the school’s original mascot would remain.
“Clark Intermediate School’s long-time mascot, the Chieftain, will remain in place with authorization from the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians, the largest local tribe represented by Clovis Unified students of Native American descent,” a statement from Clovis Unified reads in part…