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South High School unveils new name and mascot: Spartans

South High School Spartans
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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