California officially bans use of ‘Redskins’ by public schools

Gov. Jerry Brown on Sunday signed the California Racial Mascots Act, prohibiting the state’s public schools from using the name “Redskins” for its athletic teams.

The state senate and assembly passed the bill nearly a month ago and it had been awaiting the governor’s signature. The law will take effect beginning in 2017, giving schools time to transition to a new nickname, which includes the changing of logos and purchasing new apparel.

The National Congress of American Indians released a statement, saying California has set a “shining example” for other states by passing the bill.

“The most populous state in the country has now taken a stand against the use of this insidious slur in its schools, and Change the Mascot expects more states to follow,” the statement read. “This landmark legislation eliminating the R-word in California schools clearly demonstrates that this issue is not going away, and that opposition to the Washington team on this issue is only intensifying. The NFL should act immediately to press the team to change the name.”

Brown signed the bill without comment. Eleven years ago, then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed similar legislation.

Only four California high schools will be affected, according to The Sacramento Bee.