Possible Mascot Change Coming for Calaveras High School

Calaveras High School would be in the market for a new mascot if a bill the state Assembly passed Thursday becomes law.

The bill would require all public schools in California that use “Redskins” as a mascot to drop that name by January 2006.

Calaveras High´s principal Mark Campbell, saysthe school has never used any portrayal that was “disrespectful or demeaning” to the American Indian culture

Campbell said when talk surfaced last year about the name change, local American Indians told him they did not want to see the Redskins´ mascot dropped.

State officials estimate the change would cost schools about $125,000.

The Senate would still need to pass the bill, and it would need to be signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger before it became law. It passed the Assembly by a 43-20 vote after a lengthy, passionate debate.