Where we foster excellence in education that challenges students of every background to develop their intellect, character, and abilities; to assist students in achieving their educational and career goals; and to be responsive to the greater community.
An image of the Arabs mascot hangs in the IVC gymnasium.
The Imperial Community College District Board of Trustees has agreed with its student leadership and a campus task force to retire the current Arabs mascot and commence a search for a new one.
The trustees took action at their regular monthly meeting on March 17 to approve Associated Students Government Resolution No. 19567, which carried the recommendation.
The IVC Mascot Identity Task Force, which was formed to assess the mascot situation, gave a presentation to the trustees detailing the results of town hall meetings, participatory governance committee deliberations, communications efforts, and its official recommendation. The recommendations can be read at imperial.edu/mascot.
"I want to thank the Associated Students Government, Mascot Identity Taskforce, the
Board of Trustees, and everyone that participated for helping make this change happen,"
stated Jorge Silva, chair of the Mascot Identity Task Force and an Associated Students
Government and Student trustee. "The ASG accomplished a long-standing goal and (we)
are excited to see what our new mascot and identity will be."
IVC Superintendent and President Dr. Martha Garcia also supported the recommendation. "I sincerely applaud the tenacity of the students, the Mascot Identity Task Force and everyone that supported this effort as this historic change has been overdue. I look forward to the next steps in embracing a new inclusive identity for Imperial Valley College," she said.
Fr. Mark Edney, IVC Board president, stated: "I am pleased to have been part of this
decision. I applaud the initiative taken by the IVC students, the process of consultation
in the community and college, and the historic outcome. I cannot wait to see what
will be proposed as the new mascot for IVC."
In addition, the governance committees listed in the presentation unanimously supported the Associated Students Government's resolution to change the Arabs mascot.
The next steps will be determined by the Mascot Identity Task Force as it formulates a proposed timeline and various events and activities to gather information on IVC's new mascot.