ARAB MASCOT VIDEO: 'I Think it Speaks for Itself How Much We Revere This Name'

A Coachella Valley High supporter of the school's Arab mascot said Friday night "the crux of this problem" is "respect" and "somebody felt the Arab name wasn't being properly respected."

About 100 people took part in a special meeting of the school district board Nov. 15 in Coachella Valley High's gymnasium, which is adorned with Arabs sports championship banners dating from the 1930s.

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee recently sent a letter to school officials stating in part:

"ADC is appalled at the use of a caricature depicted to be an 'Arab' as the official mascot of the high school. . . .

"It has come to our attention that during sporting events, and school functions, a student dressed as this figure, makes an appearance. Many videos on YouTube clearly show orientalist stereotyping of Arabs.

"During half-time shows at sporting events, the 'Arab male' comes out to music, while a female dressed as a belly dancer entertains him. Further, the gymnasium has the face of an 'Arab' caricature in the middle of the basketball court, as well as around the walls. Outside of the building, an 'Arab' on a carpet is depicted, with a woman next to him.

"All these are examples of gross stereotyping, which must not be tolerated, and must immediately be addressed."

After the Friday night meeting, the Coachella Valley Unified School District issued a statement announcing the visit of Abed Ayoub, ADC director of legal and policy affairs, and plans for a press conference at CVUSD headquarters at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 19.

The school district said Ayoub's visit will include time with staff, students, alumni, and local leaders.

The ADC, which is based in the Nation's Capital, has raised concerns about the California desert school's Arab mascot at the same time Native Americans are putting pressure on the NFL Washington Redskins, a name and theme many consider offensive.

For more from the Friday night meeting see

Coachella Valley High Students, Alumni, Officials Extoll Pride in Arab Mascot

VIDEO: Coachella Valley Arabs Superintendent Says 'We're Going to Keep Our Name'