UC Davis students voting on whether to change mascot to a cow

Student elections going on this week at the University of California, Davis, include a referendum to make the campus’s mascot a cow.

The aim of the so-called MOOvement is not to tamper with the Aggies name — that would remain — but to change the mascot from Gunrock the Mustang to a cow.

Organizers of the referendum argue that Davis needs “a unique identity … a mascot that can build community.” Many universities, they point out, have mustang mascots, and Davis students feel more affinity with the cows that live on and near the rural campus.

Gunrock, currently represented as a grinning blue horse, has its historical roots in an actual horse (but not a mustang) that was brought to the University of California’s Davis farm in the 1920s as part of a breeding program for the U.S. Army cavalry.

Mick Hashimoto, the undergraduate who is spearheading the referendum, told the California Aggie that Davis students voted in 1993 to change the mascot to a cow, but the administration rejected the decision.

He cited UC Santa Cruz’s banana slug and UC Irvine’s anteater as examples of mascots that embody the spirit of the individual campus.

For several years in the 1980s, Santa Cruz’s official mascot was the sea lion, but a student movement elevated the unofficial mascot — the banana slug — to that position. Irvine’s Peter the Anteater was chosen shortly after the campus’s establishment in 1965.

UC Santa Barbara has experienced rumblings for a new mascot in recent years, as some see their Gaucho as a racist caricature. A raccoon has been suggested as a replacement; so far, the Gaucho remains.

The voting in UC Davis’ Associated Students elections will run through Sunday, May 15.

Source:: The Mercury News – Latest News

(Visited 6 times, 1 visits today)

USA News Posts - Related Posts:

UC Davis students voting on whether to change mascot to a cow Student elections going on this week at the University of California, Davis, include a referendum to make the campus’s mascot a cow. The aim of the so-called MOOvement is not to tamper with the Aggies name — that would remain — but to change the mascot from Gunrock the Mustang to a cow. Organizers of the referendum argue that Davis needs “a unique identity … a mascot that can build community.” Many universities, they point out, have mustang mascots, and…
2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E: First Drive Review (Kyle Edward)A Worthy Sacrilege The 2022 Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s first fully-fledged electric car. Purists were fast to argue that slapping the Mustang badge over an EV—and a crossover at that—is an act of betrayal against the gods of pony cars. And yet, the marketing strategy is spot on: Match the iconic badge with a highly demanded body type and a potent drivetrain to drive piping hot sales. (FordThere’s a long list of competitors out there that the Mach-E needs…
Florida students win yearbook flap over ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill After an outcry from students and parents over yearbook censorship, a Florida school board overruled their superintendent’s plan to cover up a page showing students waving rainbow flags and a “love is love” sign during a walkout against the law critics dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law. The superintendent told the board that the page violated their policy by seeming to endorse a student walkout. Stickers to cover the entire page had already arrived and would be added before yearbooks…
Georgia elections chief aims to shore up Republican support Brad Raffensperger says the Georgia and U.S. Constitutions should be amended to prohibit voting by people who aren't U.S. citizens. He oversaw a citizenship audit of the state's voter rolls and has announced plans to further integrate citizenship checks into the voter registration process. The Georgia secretary of state readily acknowledges that noncitizen voting is not a problem. State law already bars those who aren't U.S. citizens from voting. And while his audit flagged more than 1,600 potential noncitizens who…
Georgia elections chief aims to shore up Republican support Brad Raffensperger says the Georgia and U.S. Constitutions should be amended to prohibit voting by people who aren't U.S. citizens. He oversaw a citizenship audit of the state's voter rolls and has announced plans to further integrate citizenship checks into the voter registration process. The Georgia secretary of state readily acknowledges that noncitizen voting is not a problem. State law already bars those who aren't U.S. citizens from voting. And while his audit flagged more than 1,600 potential noncitizens who…
Compromise struck on new Chicago City Council ward map; could avoid referendum A newly created ward map appears to have enough support in the Chicago City Council to avoid forcing a public referendum on the new boundaries. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times A deal has been struck on a new Chicago City Council ward map that will keep the decision from ending up in the hands of voters in the form of a June referendum. Under the deal, which still must be cemented by a City Council vote next week, the map will create 16…
Ask Amy: I have a problem with my new grandson’s name Dear Amy: My youngest daughter recently gave birth to her first child, a beautiful baby boy (our fourth grandchild and first grandson). I am having difficulty with the baby’s chosen name. Amy Dickinson His first name is after the baby’s father, and a family name; he is the fourth male to be named that. I find it confusing and paternalistic but otherwise I like the name. It’s our grandson’s middle name I’m having the most difficulty with. It is my husband’s…
If students don’t return soon, community colleges are facing a financial crisis Despite an offer of free tuition, Californians are shying away from community colleges. Although public investments in two-year public institutions have animated many political leaders at the state and federal levels, it may be time for California’s 73 community college districts to downsize and adapt to an environment where there’s reduced demand for their services. The COVID-19 pandemic and recession upended much of what we thought we knew about community college enrollment. Historically, when individuals become unemployed or find it…
As a society, we should move away from student loans and provide free college The campus of the University of Illinois Chicago in 2020.Pat Nabong/Sun-Times Regarding student loans: In the past, a high school diploma was sufficient, and one could advance in society and find a meaningful career with one. Thanks to taxpayers, a high school education has been free and accessible to everyone. Nowadays, a high school diploma doesn’t have the weight it once had, and so a bachelor’s degree or more is becoming necessary for one to advance in society and find…
How to cast your vote in the 2022 local elections Photo taken in London, United KingdomPens at the ready? Today (May 5), millions will cast their votes in the local elections. Registered voters will have the opportunity to choose the candidate and government party they want to represent their local area. But do you have to bring your polling card with you, do you need ID, and what time are stations open until? Here is everything you need to know about casting your vote today. Everything you need to know…