On Friday, South High School unveiled its new mascot: the Spartans.
On Thursday the school announced it was retiring its previous mascot - the Rebel - which some say is named after a confederate general.
In a release about the decision, south high’s principal, Connie Grumbling, says:
South High is a place of acceptance. Unfortunately, when the two words south and rebel are used together, there is a perception of identifying with segregation and racism. The time is right to end this perception and reminders of social injustice.
The new name, Spartans, comes from the efforts of a mascot committee with South High alumni, staff, students, and community members, according to the Kern High School District.
MEMBERS OF THE NAME COMMITTEE TALK ABOUT THE DECISION:
Members of South High School discuss name change
