Legislation & Resolutions
Associated Students | San Diego State University

Resolution to Change the Mascot

WHEREAS, it is the shared vision of SDSU to create a community proud of its diversity, that "promotes human dignity", and is committed to furthering social justice on and off campus (SDSU Mission & Goals 4.4); and

WHEREAS, the Associated Students University Council serves "as the primary student representative body responsible for researching and developing the student perspective for University policy and advocacy of any and all relevant matters affecting University students on and/or off the campus" (ASUC Purpose); and

WHEREAS, the Associated Students Board of Directors is responsible for "overseeing broad policies and objectives and to ensure the values and goals of the organization are upheld" (Students Bill of Rights and Bylaws, Section 29); and

WHEREAS, the continued use of the name "Aztec" and the "Aztec Warrior" mascot perpetuate harmful stereotypes of Native Americans, including the notion that Native Americans are innately violent, dangerous, and "savage" which is demonstrated by the Aztec Warrior's aggressive body language, the Aztec Warrior's use of a spear at special events, the use of a spear on the SDSU Athletics Logo which is printed on uniforms and SDSU memorabilia, and the slogan "fear the spear"; and

WHEREAS, native symbols and mascots have been used, but then later acknowledged as inappropriate and retired by institutions of higher learning including the following: Dartmouth College, Eastern Michigan University, Marquette University, Seattle University, Southern Oregon University, Southwestern Community College, Stanford University, Syracuse University, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, University of Oklahoma; University of Louisiana-Monroe, Arkansas State University, and the University of North Dakota; and

WHEREAS, many organizations have publicly opposed the use of native symbols and mascot including: The Anti-Defamation League, Commission on Human Rights, United States Civil Rights Commission, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), American Jewish Committee, Museum of Tolerance, National Education Association (NEA), California Teachers Association (CTA), University of California Student Association (UCSA), California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), National Congress of American Indians, National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ); (changethemascot.org).

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that A.S. immediately ceases to use the "Aztec" name, the "Aztec Warrior" and any other human, human culture, human name and/or human mascot and works to transition away from the "Aztec" branding of all A.S. owned and operated capitol; and

LET IT FURTHER BE RESOLVED, that A.S. calls upon our university and all affiliated organizations including Aztec Shops to end the use of the "Aztec" name, the "Aztec Warrior" and any other human, human culture, human name and/or human mascot; and

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, should and/or when SDSU chooses a new mascot, the following guidelines from the passed 2003 Resolution Supporting a New University Mascot (CB F03-02) be followed:

  1. Appropriateness (The mascot is not inconsistent with the mission of SDSU in either appearance or action)
  2. Viability (The costumer can be made without unreasonable expense or hardship)
  3. General Appeal (The mascot will have sufficient appeal to excite and entertain the student body and the San Diego community)
  4. Promotes Campus Unity (The mascot will not in any way partake in activities or dress in a manner that would be deemed culturally insensitive or in any way divisive) 
  5. Weapons Ban (The mascot will not be allowed to use, hold or operate anything resembling a man-made weapon)