The San Diego State University (SDSU) Aztec Mascot has been a topic of controversy and debate for many years. The Aztec mascot, also known as Monty Montezuma or The Big Kahuna, has been a symbol of pride for SDSU students, alumni, and fans. However, there has been a growing movement to retire the Aztec mascot due to concerns of cultural appropriation and misrepresentation. Supporters of the Aztec mascot argue that it is a way to honor and celebrate the rich history and culture of the Aztec people. They believe that the mascot serves as a symbol of strength, courage, and resilience, qualities that are often associated with the Aztec civilization. The Aztec mascot has also become an integral part of SDSU's identity, with many students and alumni feeling a strong connection to it.
Decisions on Aztec Identity
San Diego State University’s Aztec identity is woven into the university's long and rich history. The Aztec moniker was chosen by students in 1925 and has served as a strong identifier for thousands of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.
As a university community, we recognize and honor the multiple ways in which our community relates to our Aztec identity. We are committed to providing the resources and structures necessary to assure that the invocation of our spirit leader is done with respect, accuracy, and pride. The university continues to chart the path forward for SDSU’s relationship and educational efforts with the historical and contemporary descendants of the Aztec people and the Aztec Empire. Our focus is on education, respect and restorative treatment around the Aztec name, through the incorporation of both the pre-Contact Aztec Empire and contemporary peoples that were part of this once dominant empire in both the curriculum and the culture of the campus.
SDSU Begins Development of New Aztec Identity Iconography
The university has shared details about an additional process being launched to develop new iconography — such as artwork, symbols and other visual elements — as part of ongoing efforts to enhance education and recognition of its Aztec identity. With plans to engage faculty, staff, students, alumni representatives and members of our Native and Indigenous communities over a year-long process, work is now underway to develop recommendations for new images that will amplify and align with our university’s Aztec identity.
The Aztec mascot has also become an integral part of SDSU's identity, with many students and alumni feeling a strong connection to it. On the other hand, opponents of the Aztec mascot argue that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces cultural appropriation. They argue that the use of a stereotypical representation of Native American culture, such as headdresses and face paint, is disrespectful and offensive.
Going Forward
We, as the San Diego State University community, value all people, origins and cultural identities. We seek to learn and understand as one university the complexities of how we come together and coexist. Through the work of the Aztec Governing Authority and Aztec Culture Education Committee, we strive to bring SDSU closer to a position of respect and appreciation for the indigenous cultures historically known as the Aztec Empire. We acknowledge the historical challenge of many indigenous communities throughout the decades of existence and we seek to continue learning together to honor their traditions, stories and legacies through our work as one SDSU community that includes faculty, staff, students and alumni. We look forward to continuing the ongoing process of learning from one another through a work-in-progress approach that will lead to further understanding, respect and celebration of our indigenous communities that exist within the SDSU community. We welcome your involvement throughout this process in an effort to grow as a university. Ramona L. Pérez
Chair, Aztec Identity Initiative
[email protected]
University Traditions
South Dakota State University’s Coughlin Campanile has become one of South Dakota’s most famous landmarks. At the time of its completion in 1929, it was the tallest building in South Dakota. Throughout the years, Coughlin Campanile has become the premier symbol of SDSU.
Charles L. Coughlin, a 1909 alumnus, donated the funds to construct SDSU’s famous tower in celebration of the 20th anniversary of his graduation in electrical engineering. The final price for the campanile was $75,000.
The formal dedication of Coughlin Campanile took place following commencement ceremonies on June 13, 1930.
Coughlin Campanile is 165 feet high. It was built of white Indiana limestone, red brick, concrete and steel. There are 180 steps leading to the balcony floor, the highest point reached by visitors, which is 112 feet above the ground.
Coughlin Campanile closed for renovation during the spring of 2000. Many cosmetic improvements were made to repair the 70 years of weathering on the tower. It was reopened and rededicated Sept. 22, 2001.
They also point out that the use of the Aztec name and imagery does not accurately reflect the diverse student population at SDSU and may alienate indigenous students. The debate over the Aztec mascot has not been limited to SDSU. Many universities and sports teams across the United States have faced similar controversies regarding their mascots and team names that are associated with Native American culture. Some universities and teams have chosen to retire their mascots and adopt new ones that are more culturally respectful and inclusive. In response to the controversy, SDSU formed a task force in 2017 to examine the use of the Aztec mascot. The task force conducted surveys and held public forums to gather input from the university community. In 2018, the task force recommended keeping the Aztec name but retiring the use of stereotypical Native American symbols and imagery. The university administration has taken some steps to address the concerns raised by the task force. They have banned the use of headdresses and face paint at sporting events and have introduced educational initiatives to promote cultural understanding and respect. However, some opponents of the Aztec mascot argue that these measures do not go far enough and have called for its complete retirement. It is clear that the debate over the SDSU Aztec mascot is a complex and nuanced issue. Both sides of the debate have valid points and concerns. Ultimately, the decision on whether to retire the Aztec mascot rests with the university administration, who must carefully consider the opinions and perspectives of all stakeholders involved..
Reviews for "A Tribute to the SDSU Aztec Mascot: A Symbol of Strength and Pride"
1. John - ★☆☆☆☆
The SDSU Aztec mascot is offensive and disrespectful to Native American culture. It promotes stereotypes and perpetuates a distorted image of indigenous people. Instead of celebrating their rich history and contributions, it reduces them to a caricature for entertainment purposes. It's time for SDSU to retire this mascot and adopt a more inclusive symbol that doesn't marginalize any group.
2. Amanda - ★★☆☆☆
While I understand that the SDSU Aztec mascot is meant to honor the history of the Aztec people, it still feels appropriative and disrespectful. The university should find a way to celebrate the Aztec heritage without resorting to cultural appropriation. There are other ways to pay homage to the Aztec civilization that don't involve using a mascot that can be seen as offensive to Native American communities. It's important for universities to be sensitive to these concerns and reassess their mascots to ensure inclusivity.
3. Chris - ★★☆☆☆
As an alumni of SDSU, I have mixed feelings about the Aztec mascot. While it's meant to represent the university's heritage and instill a sense of school pride, it's also important to acknowledge the potential harm it can cause to Native American communities. The use of cultural symbols for mascot purposes can be seen as disrespectful and insensitive. I believe SDSU should have a more open dialogue with Native American communities and take their concerns into consideration when deciding the future of the Aztec mascot.