For over 70 years, Arcadia High School (AHS) has been closely associated with the White Mountain Apache tribe and the Apache name. We have been the Apaches since 1952 and began our relationship with the White Mountain Apache Tribe in 1998. However, starting July 1, 2026, the Apache designation will no longer be used by AHS due to the passing of California Assembly Bill 3074, which prohibits the use of Native American names and images by K-12 public schools.

Although the Apache name has not been used as an official mascot for decades and has instead been a designation, AHS is still required to stop using it under the new law. The school will begin to refer to itself as “The Arcadia High School,” similar to schools such as The Ohio State University. For example, the former Apache Girls Basketball Team will now be referred to as The Arcadia High School Girls Basketball Team. Additionally, a capital “A” will be used as our school logo, as there are no plans in the near future to replace the Apache designation with a new mascot or name.  

“Changing something so central to the school’s identity is not something we want to rush. We still have a strong relationship with the tribe,” said Principal Dr. Jorge Munoz.  

Therefore, the transition from the Apache designation will be gradual. Because Assembly Bill 3074 is an unfunded mandate, meaning no state funding has been provided to support the required changes, costs will be spread out over time rather than all at once. According to the law, existing items may remain in place until they reach their “natural replacement cycle.” This includes uniforms, signage, murals, and facilities such as the gym floor. Essentially, when something like a uniform or a sign would normally be updated, that’s when the change is required. 

“Athletics will likely be the most impacted, because the name appears on uniforms, facilities, and in team chants and traditions,” said Dr. Munoz.

The change will also affect how teams and events are referenced in writing and announcements. Writers at The Arcadia Quill, along with sports announcers and other staff, will no longer use the Apache designation when covering events or referring to school teams. Additionally, the school’s alma mater, which includes the Apache name, may also be changed in the future. 

Despite the required changes, AHS will continue its relationship with the White Mountain Apache Tribe through activities such as the annual Toy and Jacket Drive. Discussions with the Student Council Apache Commission are ongoing to ensure the partnership between our school and the tribe remains intact. 

“We’re not super excited about the change, but we know it’s something we have to do, and we’re going to move forward in the most respectful and careful way we can,” said Dr. Munoz. 

It’s also important to emphasize that the law does not require the school to erase its history. There are plans underway to preserve AHS’s past and the role the Apache designation played over time. According to Dr. Munoz, AHS plans to create a display documenting the school’s history in the library. 

“For some people, this change is very controversial. There’s an element of the community that really likes the tradition, and another element that’s uncomfortable with it. We’re trying to manage it in a way that is both respectful to the tribe and the community,” said Dr. Munoz.

As we move closer to the July 2026 deadline, AHS aims to focus on carrying out the changes while maintaining the school’s long-standing relationship with the tribe.