Fresno Unified Schools Adopt New Mascots Under California Racial Mascots Act

Fresno Unified School District announced that Tenaya Middle School, Tioga Middle School, and Lowell Elementary School will adopt new mascots for the 2026‑2027 academic year. Tenaya will become the Titans, Tioga will be the Hawks, and Lowell will be the Lions.

The changes were made in compliance with Assembly Bill 3074, known as the California Racial Mascots Act. The bill expands restrictions on the use of Native American–related mascots, team names, and nicknames in California public schools. The district said the new mascots were chosen through a community‑driven process that followed Fresno Unified’s Community Engagement Guardrail.

A mascot change committee, composed of site leaders, representatives from Culture and Student Inclusion, Communications, and American Indian Education, oversaw the selection. The committee conducted multiple rounds of surveys to gather input from students, families, and staff. According to the district, the goal was to involve the entire school community in the decision.

Principal Kevin Evangelinos of Tioga Middle School said the process “was a powerful example of what can happen when a school community comes together around a shared purpose.” He added that the effort “strengthened connections across our community and reminded us of the importance of listening to and learning from one another.”

Ryan Duff, principal of Tenaya Middle School, noted that the process “became a meaningful opportunity for our school community to learn more about different cultures, perspectives and the impact that names and symbols can have on others.” He emphasized that the district listened closely to Native American students and families, whose perspectives helped guide the process.

Jennifer Her‑Yang, principal of Lowell Elementary, said the new mascot “proudly reflects the voices of our students, staff and families through discussions and surveys.” She described the change as a “joyful celebration of unity, inclusivity and belonging for every student.”

The district’s announcement follows a broader trend of schools across California and the United States reevaluating mascots that reference Native American imagery. The California Racial Mascots Act was enacted in 2024 to address concerns that such imagery can perpetuate stereotypes and create a hostile environment for students of Indigenous heritage.

Fresno Unified, which serves most of Fresno and surrounding communities, has previously faced scrutiny over its use of Native American imagery. The district’s recent actions demonstrate its commitment to aligning with state law and fostering an inclusive environment.

The new mascots will be introduced in the upcoming school year, with the district planning to update logos, uniforms, and school branding accordingly. The district did not disclose a timeline for the rollout of new materials.

The changes are part of a statewide effort to ensure that public schools do not use imagery that could be considered offensive or demeaning. The law requires districts to eliminate Native American–related mascots and to provide a process for selecting new symbols that reflect the diversity of their student bodies.

While the article does not mention other Fresno Unified schools, the district’s approach may serve as a model for other schools considering similar changes. The process emphasizes community input, cultural sensitivity, and compliance with state legislation.

The district’s decision comes amid ongoing discussions at the state level about the role of school mascots in promoting respect and inclusivity. The California Racial Mascots Act is one of several measures aimed at addressing the broader issue of cultural appropriation in educational settings.

The new mascots for Tenaya, Tioga, and Lowell are expected to be embraced by students and staff, reflecting a shared commitment to unity and respect. The district’s leadership has highlighted the importance of listening to diverse perspectives and creating a sense of belonging for all students.

As the schools transition to their new identities, the district will continue to monitor the impact of the changes and engage with stakeholders to ensure a smooth implementation.

The Fresno Unified School District’s actions underscore the growing recognition that school symbols play a significant role in shaping student experience and community identity. By adopting new mascots that are free from Native American references, the district aligns itself with California’s legal framework and broader educational best practices.