We are aware of an opposing petition circulating as of yesterday, 6/27/2020. We have remained civil and respectful of opposition and counter-arguments to our petition as it is natural that not everyone will agree with our position. However, the creator of that petition has disrespectfully slandered our names repeatedly. They pointedly addressed me throughout their petition, making their narrative a direct and personal attack. We condemn their lack of professionalism. 

We will not address the points made in their emotionally driven letter (for lack of better terms). Instead, we encourage them to take their time educating themselves in social and civil rights issues, especially during these tumultuous times, as well as developing their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. See beyond the past and into the future.

No one is infringing on their rights. No one is taking away their memories. Removing or changing a mascot does not magically make your memories disappear. Anaheim HS, as the prominent namesake of Anaheim, represents the city, but does not accurately represent the students or residents. We have taken this overdue step to change a problematic image at the local level. We need to improve as a society, and that starts within the community.

Although rightfully angered, we will not allow them to harass us in this manner. We are lifelong Anaheim residents, born and raised. Not transplants, not outsiders. We are Anaheim HS alumni. Not from neighboring cities or counties. We are part of the Anaheim community. We are fully aware of the city’s history and the subsequent events that allowed it to get away with heinous acts and memorials rooted in white supremacy. We do not support racist symbols in our community.

DECOLONIZE THE COLONY!