Growing up, while attending Compton High School, we have always been confronted by the presence of our school mascot, the "Tarbabe." Historically, the term "Tarbabe" is an offensive racial caricature hailing from the Uncle Remus stories by Joel Chandler Harris. This character in African-American folklore, the Tar-Baby, symbolizes a crude, negative stereotype employed to ensnare and deceive. Through the years, its continuous use as our school's emblem has never failed to distress us, tarnishing our high school experience with a constant reminder of racial demeaning and dehumanizing.

Evidence reveals that perpetuation of racial stereotypes can devalue those it targets, but it also hurts the broader community by misinforming public perception and reinforcing biases (Kendi, "Stamped from the Beginning", 2016). This is why, although not all of us are directly targeted by this demeaning mascot, we all suffer.

It's time for Compton High School to wave goodbye to its outdated, racist mascot. It is time to create a more inclusive, respectful, and empowering representation for our community. The change of our mascot will not only remove an offensive presence from our school environment but also foster a more welcoming and supportive community, free of degrading representations. This is a significant step towards a better education system that respects and values diversity and equality. It's time to evolve and refuse any form of racism.

Please, sign this petition to urge Compton High School to change their mascot and promote inclusivity within our educational community.