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Public commenter urges FJUHSD to move on from 'Indians' mascot; calls for student‑led selection process
Summary
Chris Norby urged the board to choose a new Fullerton High School mascot after outreach to a recognized tribe proved unsuccessful, recommending student, alumni and staff input with a final student‑body vote; the board listened but took no immediate action.
During the public‑comment period at the Fullerton Joint Union High School District meeting, Chris Norby of Fullerton urged the board to move forward with replacing Fullerton High School’s 'Indians' mascot after an outreach meeting with a recognized tribe failed to secure permission for continued use.
Norby, identifying himself as an alumnus, parent and fan, said the principal told him outreach efforts had been unsuccessful and that "it's time to move on to choose a new mascot." He urged the board to center students in the process: "Suggestions should be taken from students, alumni, parents, and staff with the ultimate choice being made by vote of the student body." He said a student committee is already forming at the high school and listed alternative names under consideration.
Norby framed the change as a teaching opportunity and asked for a transparent selection process composed of student voices. He closed by encouraging acceptance of whatever the student body decides: "In the end, the decision should be up to a vote of the student body," and added a closing, informal line: "In the meantime, go tribe." The board provided the standard public‑comment response that non‑agenda items cannot be acted on during the meeting and suggested commenters contact staff for follow‑up.
The matter was recorded as public comment only; no board action was taken on mascot selection in this meeting.
