(Mar. 15, 2012) -- One of the candidates now running for president of CSULB's Associated Students Inc. says the school's "49ers" and "Prospector Pete" mascots are "considered offensive to many students" and should be changed to the "Long Beach State University Tongva Rebels" and "Toypurina" (a woman who lead a Tongva rebellion in the 1800’s).
I am proud to announce my proposal to Change CSULB’s name and mascot. Prospector Pete and the 49ers are considered offensive to many students given the connection between, 49ers, the gold rush, and Tongva Natives. For those who do not know the Tongva Tribe lived on CSULB before CSULB even existed! Having 49ers represent the home of this native tribe is offensive and does not make sense. Native Americans in general have had to go through so much hardship due to the gold rush and have more or less become border line extinct due to it. My proposal includes renaming CSULB to Long Beach State University Tongva Rebels. The mascot would be the female, Toypurina who lead a Tongva rebellion in the 1800’s. Here is a Q & A about important and considerable matters. I saw we have a mascot that honors the natives that once lived on our campus, honoring the natives is my goal.
Q. What is the university's proposed new name?
A. Long Beach State University
Q. Would the university colors change?
A. No, our colors would remain black and gold.
Q. Would the mascot change?
A. Yes. Prospector Pete would be replaced by Toypurina a female Tongva native.
Q. Who has the authority to change the university name?
A. The California State University Board of Trustees has the authority to change the name.
Q. When would it become effective?
A. Should Chancellor Reed choose to put this issue before the CSU Board of Trustees, they would take up the matter at a future meeting. If adopted, the name change would become effective immediately.
Q. Would this be the first time our university changed their name?
A. No.
Q. How quickly would the change take effect?
A. It depends on when the CSU Board of Trustees would take up the issue, if at all. However, If approved the name change would be gradually phased in over a period of two years.
Q. Who would pay for it?
A. Private gift from friends who encourage and support the name change would pay for capital expenses associated with signage, marketing expenses and other one-time costs related to the name change. We would use consumable items such as stationary, business cards, brochures and any other publication with the old name until they ran out before reprinting with the new name.
Q. How might a name change affect Alumni Relations?
A. A name change would affect alumni in a positive way. Changing the name to Long Beach State University will increase alumni involvement in general.
Q. What is wrong with our current
name?
A. Prospector Pete represents the 49ers of the 1849 gold rush. Many find this to be offense and insensitive considering how the Indians lost their land and lives to "49ers"
Q. What are the potential benefits associated with this name?
A. The proposed new name Long Beach State University, could help the university more clearly communicate its full reach, commitment, and mission, thus presenting a far more accurate first impression. This institution is a major regional university with deep connections to the lives and economies of Long Beach and the greater Los Angeles area.
Our current name depicts us a basic cookie cutter CSU campus- not a major university with big time state, national, and global impact. Unfortunately perception is reality. Consequently with a name change, we can begin to attract even better students to the university.
In addition, a new, more appropriate name and identity could also support important university efforts and initiatives now under way to:
*Increase regional awareness and visibility of university
*Change the overall perception of the university
*Increase donor recognition and fundraising capabilities
*Recruit more students broadly and effectively
Q. How would the university staff and administrators know when and how to change university identity on signage, displays, facilities or printed materials?
A. A work group would be designated by the president to develop guiding principles and procedures.
Q. If the university changed its name, would it make new diplomas available to those who graduated prior to such a change?
A. Yes
Q. Would the university have a new seal and logo?
A. The university would keep the same seal and logo design except instead of CSULB it will be LBSU.
