(8-18-23) The Concord (California) High School “Minutemen” mascot is being replaced next year. By a vote of four to one, the board of the Mount Diablo Unified School District voted Wednesday to approve ”Bears‘ as the new mascot for the school.

Who were the Minutemen?

Minutemen or Minute Companies were a part of the militia of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. The name minutemen comes from the idea that they would be ready to fight with a minute’s notice. The force was created in response to the Massachusetts militia’s failure to respond to the Powder Alarm in September 1774.

Adam Clark Mount Diablo Unified School District Superintendent

“What I support is making sure that our students feel connected to our school, that students have a voice and that students go through a process,”

“With the term ‘men,’ then what about our female students? You know they’re not represented.”

Clark also told Fox News Digital–

“in response to the mass shootings and killings of students on school campuses…male minutemen soldier holding a rifle was not a symbol many of our students and staff felt created a welcoming environment.”

Recent graduate Matthew Dashner who was involved on the student committee involved in the mascot change.

“They never asked us if we liked our current mascot (Minutemen) or if we wanted to change it. We were just told that it had to change.”

Matt Shupe, the Republican Party chairman of the Contra Costa County

“It’s disgusting to disrespect those who fought and sacrificed to defeat tyranny and ultimately found our great nation, and to add insult to injury, they’re replacing it with a meaningless and trite mascot that viciously murders small animals,.”

A comment on the school district web site —

“The Minutemen,” the heroes, of the American Revolution – simple, everyday folk, who said “no,” to a tyrannical, oppressive regime, and set forth guiding principals that “All Men Are Created Equal…” is now deemed offensive.

How far we have fallen as a nation 😞

From school board meeting —

8/16/2023 – 6:00 PM
Category: Recognitions and Resolutions
Type: Action

Subject: 10.3 Review and Potential Approval of Resolution 23-24 (6) Adopting Recommendation by Concord High School Students to Retire “Minutemen” Mascot and Adopt the Mascot “Bears” as Elected by the Students

LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan) Goal:


Goal 1:
All students will receive a high quality education in a safe and welcoming environment with equitable and high expectations, access to technology, and instruction in the California State Standards that prepare them for college and/or career.
Goal 2:
High quality, culturally proficient, and responsive staff will provide engaging instruction respectful of all students’ backgrounds to ensure they are college and/or career ready.
Policy:
Enclosure Resolution 23-24 (6) Adopting Bears Mascot


File Attachment:
Resolution 23-24 (#6) Adopting Recommendation for Concord High School Mascot Change.pdf

Summary: The State of California, as codified in Education Code Section 221.2 (The California Racial Mascots Act) finds and declares the following: “The use of racially derogatory or discriminatory school or athletic team names, mascots, or nicknames in California public schools is antithetical to the California school mission of providing an equal education to all… Many individuals and organizations interested and experienced in human relations, including the United States Commission on Civil Rights, have concluded that the use of Native American images and names in school sports is a barrier to equality and understanding, and that all residents of the United States would benefit from the discontinuance of their use. No individual or school has a cognizable interest in retaining a racially derogatory or discriminatory school or athletic team name, mascot, or nickname.”

Concord High School, through the New Mascot Student Committee, is requesting the review and approval of a mascot change at Concord High School. The Student Body has conducted multiple petitions, town hall meetings, as well as conducted multiple rounds of student discussions and voting over several months, involving all stakeholders of the Concord High School community including students, alumni and staff. As a result of the discussions and multiple rounds of student voting, the Concord High School community has selected the mascot name “The Bears” to replace the name “Minutemen” as presented to the Board on May 10, 2023 and June 28, 2023

Funding: District funding, site funding
Fiscal Impact : $200,000 District funding

Recommendation: Move to approved Resolution 23-24 (6) Adopting Recommendation by Concord High School Students to Retire “Minutemen” Mascot and Adopt the Mascot “Bears” as Elected by the Students

Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Laura Juranek – Senior Administrative Assistant
Signed By:
Samantha Allen – Director of Secondary Schools
Signed By:
Jennifer Sachs – Chief, Educational Services
Signed By:
Cesar Alvarado – General Counsel
Signed By:
Dr. Adam Clark – Superintendent


Vote Results:

Original Motion
Member Cherise Khaund Moved, Member Erin McFerrin seconded to approve the Original motion ‘Move to approved Resolution 23-24 (6) Adopting Recommendation by Concord High School Students to Retire “Minutemen” Mascot and Adopt the Mascot “Bears” as Elected by the Students.’. Upon a Roll-Call Vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 4 Nay: 1.

The motion Carried 4 – 1

Keisha Nzewi Yes
Linda Mayo Yes
Cherise Khaund Yes
Debra Mason No
Erin McFerrin Yes

Did you know,,,,

Tweet below from Concord High School