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SDSU “AZTEC WARRIOR” MASCOT REFERENDUM
FACT SHEET

We want to bring our community back together and resolve this issue in a way that is respectful of everyone. Over the last three years San Diego State University and the community has been divided over its “Aztec identity.” It is time to find a true compromise, and the current referendum proposed by President Weber will only continue the debate, and further divide the community.

SDSU is the ONLY California public university that maintains a Native human representation mascot. Dartmouth College, Marquette University, Seattle University, Southwestern College, Stanford University, Syracuse University, University of Massachusetts, University of Oklahoma, and Amherst University--all institutions of higher education that had used human representation mascots--have acknowledged their actions as inappropriate and have taken the necessary measures to correct this condition.

The SDSU Associated Students (A.S.) passed a resolution calling for the elimination of the proposed Aztec Warrior mascot and the current referendum. Following President Weber's announcement of an online referendum, A.S. passed a resolution requesting a substitution of a non-human mascot. The resolution calls for a campus-wide contest for potential mascot images, which would then be narrowed to the top five, and forwarded to President Weber for a referendum. Students on A.S. Council have been elected by their peers to represent the larger campus community. The action taken by A.S. provides a process that would democratically end this campus and community debate.

The proposed “Aztec Warrior” meets the original criteria for the removal of “Monty Montezuma” but both these depictions present and maintain stereotypes. The use of ceremonial regalia for the purpose of entertainment is disrespectful to the living descendents of that community, whose traditions continue today. Items such as a drum, feathers, face painting, and traditional dress have a deep spiritual significance and are sacred to this community.

Organizations that are publicly opposed to the offensive usage of Human Representation Mascot: United Nations (UN), Economic and Social Council, Commission on Human Rights, United States Civil Rights Commission, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Museum of Tolerance, National Education Association (NEA), California Teacher's Association (CTA), University of California Student Association (UCSA), United States Student Association, California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), LA Unified School District, SDSU University Senate, Council of American Indian Organizations of San Diego County, Latino Latina Indigenous Peoples Unity Coalition, and The National Conference for Community & Justice, among many others.

As an educational institution with a moral and legal responsibility to address the needs of ALL students, SDSU must strive to be free of racism and bias. For over 30 years, in the private and public sectors, American Indians have fought to eliminate stereotypical mascots, logos, nicknames, and images. Even mascots intended to honor Native cultures are harmful to the social and psychological aspects of Native Americans. Human representation mascots demonstrate a racial preference for depicting Native Americans (rather than other racial or religious groups) as mascots for their schools and athletic teams. No amount of cheering fans or ticket sales can put monetary worth on a culture.

The “Aztec Warrior” Mascot Referendum process announced for December 3 rd through December 5 th raises some concerns in regards to bias, privilege, and legality . The process and recent press release are subjective, and include a bias in favor of the mascot, and all the information posted is entirely one-sided. Only one picture of the alternate mascot will be allowed as well as links to other sources that only support that position.

We are concerned that students' right to privacy and right to anonymity will be compromised due to the voting process that requires students to “log in.” Student's names can potentially be linked to their student ID (their social security number), potentially leading to votes being tracked.

What are the sources of funding that are underwriting this process?

Not all alumni are able to vote. In fact, besides current students, only “members of the Aztec Alumni Association” and the “Aztec Athletics Foundation” are privileged to vote . This excludes alumni who simply may not financially be able to join. It also means that anyone can pay to join the Alumni Association and/or the Aztec Athletics Foundation and gain the right to vote on the mascot. In addition, SDSU faculty and staff cannot vote in the referendum.

SDSU President Stephen L. Weber, during his remarks on May 15, 2001, said: “At SDSU, we are not going to break our traditions; we are going to make them better and stronger. SDSU's traditions will continue to grow, as will we. Preserving traditions does not mean preserving the status quo.” President Weber, let's make SDSU better .