The San Diego State University (SDSU) mascot is known as Aztec Warrior. The Aztec Warrior is a symbol of strength, courage, and pride. The use of the Aztec Warrior as the mascot of SDSU is rooted in the university's history and connection to the local community. The Aztec Warrior represents the rich cultural heritage of the Aztec civilization, which was known for its achievements in art, architecture, and warfare. By adopting the Aztec Warrior as the mascot, SDSU aims to honor and celebrate this cultural legacy. The Aztec Warrior mascot is often seen at SDSU athletic events, rallying the crowd and boosting school spirit.
Aztec Warrior Foundation fights to keep SDSU’s Aztec Warrior mascot
SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – San Diego State University announced the next step in developing its new Aztec iconography in June but the Aztec Warrior Foundation says it will continue its efforts to save the SDSU Aztec Warrior mascot.
SDSU retired the use of pre-2018 references to the Aztec Warrior as a mascot and in June President de la Torre’s announced the university is also now retiring the Aztec spirit leader, and are retiring warrior-related imagery related to the human representation.
The university said in the letter that they have, “plans to engage faculty, staff, students, alumni representatives and members of our Native and Indigenous communities over a year-long process, work is now underway to develop recommendations for new “iconography,” or images — such as artwork, symbols and other visual elements — that will amplify and align with our university’s Aztec identity.”
The Aztec Warrior Foundation said removing human representation goes against President de la Torre’s original support for Interim President Sally Roush’s decision to keep the Aztec Warrior and the 2018 Aztec Identity Task Force Report.
“Her decision to reverse course on the open and transparent process established under her predecessors left the Aztec Warrior Foundation no option except to reorganize,” stated AWF member, Patrick Batten. “We are prepared to fight to restore the Aztec Warrior as an ambassador and spirit leader for San Diego State University that appropriately honors the rich culture and heritage of the Aztecs.”
Former Aztec Warrior mascot, Carlos Gutierrez, joined Good Morning San Diego to discuss the new efforts to keep the human representation of Aztecs as part of SDSU iconography.
SDSU student council votes to keep Aztec warrior mascot
SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- It will stay the San Diego State University "Aztecs," for the time being.
The university's Associated Student Council rejected a resolution Wednesday that would have favored phasing out the Aztec mascot. The council voted 14-12, with one abstention, to reject the call for a new mascot.
Had the resolution passed, it would have then gone to school officials as a recommendation, which would be followed by a solicitation of input.
Students at the university have criticized the mascot in the past because some find it offensive and call it cultural appropriation.
Students marched on campus earlier this week and used the hashtag #NotMyMascot to unite their efforts.
Thursday's vote was not the first effort to throw out the Aztec mascot. It's been tried before without success.
SDSU issued the following statement about the vote by Associated Students regarding the removal of the Aztec mascot and phasing out the use of the Aztec identity:
San Diego State University has a long and successful tradition of shared governance. As such, when a policy issue arises, the university engages in a broader discussion of the issue through the appropriate and responsible democratically-elected body (e.g., Associated Students, University Senate, etc.).
Associated Students' University Council recently engaged in their resolution process and voted against the proposed resolution regarding SDSU’s Aztec identity. We appreciate the thoughtful consideration our student leaders have given the issue.
A similar resolution has also been proposed to the University Senate and is expected to go through its own policy discussion process in the fall. It is important to SDSU that all viewpoints regarding the university’s Aztec identity are given the opportunity to be respectfully heard and carefully considered.
Social media reaction to the possible change has been strong among students and alumni.
10News anchor Jason Martinez has asked for input on Twitter and Facebook.
What do you think about the proposed change? Let us know on Jason's Facebook page.
Sandy Coronilla is a KGTV digital producer. Follow her @10NewsSandy
Copyright 2017 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
No More Aztec Warrior? SDSU University Senate Votes to Retire Mascot
A forceful presence at any San Diego State football and basketball games, the human depiction of the Aztec Warrior may come to an end soon.
The University Senate, consisted of faculty, staff, administrators and one coach, on Tuesday voted 52-15 for a non-binding resolution to retire the human depiction of the school’s mascot and to explore the issue associated with the mascot. The Aztec has been the school’s mascot since 1924.
In April, the SDSU’s Associated Students council rejected a similar resolution to phase out the Aztec logo and mascot. The resolution was introduced by the school’s Native American Student Alliance.
Prior to the Aztec Warrior, Monty Montezuma was the school’s mascot but was retired in 2003 because its depiction was considered racist. While the current mascot is more historically correct, the controversy over having non-Native Americans depicting the character persists.
In recent years, many schools and teams have dropped Native American mascots because their depictions were considered insensitive and racist. In 1994, Marquette changed its team mascot from the Warriors to the Golden Eagles. Miami (Ohio) changed its athletic teams’ name from the Redskins to the Chieftains in 1996.
The controversy is not limited to college sports. Both the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians have been criticized for their continued use of Native American mascots that are seen as culturally insensitive.
The Aztec Warrior mascot is often seen at SDSU athletic events, rallying the crowd and boosting school spirit. The mascot's appearance is inspired by traditional Aztec attire, including a feathered headdress, body armor, and war paint. This elaborate costume adds to the visual impact and excitement of the mascot's performances.
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The resolution now moves to interim university President Sally Roush for consideration. Roush can approve, reject or table to resolution for her successor to consider. In a statement released Wednesday, SDSU said it committed to the shared governance process, “of which the University Senate is a part.”
“There can be no question that all viewpoints regarding SDSU’s Aztec identity have a right to be respectfully heard and carefully considered,” the statement read. “This resolution provides an opportunity for dialogue to continue among all stakeholders in the SDSU community — including faculty, students, staff, and alumni.”
Some SDSU alumni have already balked at changing the school’s mascot.
“Why does this keep coming up? The Aztec is portrayed as a proud warrior. There is nothing politically incorrect with this representation,” Teresita Wilborn commented on Facebook.
“Until this moment I was proud of being an Aztec. The PC senate just proved how spineless they are,” Catherine Janofsky posted on Facebook.
“Unlike monikers like ‘Wildcats’ or ‘Bears’ there is only one school that comes to mind when you hear ‘Aztecs.’ This is such a strong and apropos name considering our proximity to Mexico and the long history of the association with San Diego State,” Chris Rogers said on Facebook.
Senate Chair Marcie Bober-Michel, a professor in the School of Journalism and Media Studies told the Daily Aztec, the school’s student newspaper, she does not expect the resolution to be approved by Roush, but it is a start to a meaningful discussion on the issue.
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SDSU's use of the Aztec Warrior as the mascot has faced some controversy over the years. Critics argue that the use of indigenous imagery as mascots is disrespectful and perpetuates stereotypes. However, SDSU has taken steps to ensure that the Aztec Warrior is represented in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner. The university works closely with the local Kumeyaay tribes, who provide guidance and input on the portrayal of the Aztec Warrior. Overall, the SDSU Aztec Warrior mascot serves as a symbol of unity and pride for the university community. It represents the strength and determination of SDSU's students, athletes, and alumni. The mascot reminds everyone of the university's roots and its commitment to diversity and inclusivity..
Reviews for "The Aztec Warrior Mascot and the Fight for Native American Representation in Sports"
1. Jessica - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the new mascot for SDSU. It looks like a cheap knockoff of other mascots, and it doesn't have any originality or uniqueness. The design is generic, and it doesn't capture the spirit of our school at all. I was hoping for something more creative and representative of our campus culture. Overall, I think the mascot is a missed opportunity for SDSU.
2. David - 2 stars
I have to say, I was expecting a lot more from the new SDSU mascot. The design is just not very appealing to me. It looks more like a cartoon character than a mascot for a university. The colors are also quite dull and don't stand out at all. I really think they could have done better and created something more exciting and memorable. I hope they reconsider and come up with a better design in the future.
3. Samantha - 1 star
I can't believe SDSU chose this as their new mascot. It's seriously underwhelming and lacks any personality or charm. The design is so bland and forgettable that it doesn't even make me feel proud to be a student at SDSU. I really expected something more vibrant and exciting that would represent the energy and enthusiasm of our campus, but unfortunately, this mascot falls short. I hope they consider revisiting their choice and come up with something better in the future.
4. John - 2 stars
As an alumni of SDSU, I was really looking forward to the unveiling of the new mascot. However, I have to say that I was quite disappointed. The design lacks creativity and doesn't really capture the essence of what SDSU stands for. It feels like a missed opportunity to create something that truly represents our school and its traditions. It's a shame because I was hoping for a mascot that would make me feel proud of my alma mater, but unfortunately, this one just doesn't do it for me.