City of Coachella Says Arab Mascot Meeting 'Very Productive'

The City of Coachella issued a statement Tuesday night addressing the visit of a representative for the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee of Washington, D.C., who raised concerns earlier this month about the Arab mascot at Coachella Valley High School.

About 100 people took part in the 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 Nov. 19 statement reads in part:

"This evening a very productive meeting was held between CVUSD  Superintendent Dr. Darryl Adams, City of Coachella Mayor Eduardo Garcia and ADC Director of Legal and Policy Affairs Mr. Abed Ayoub.

Open dialogue, transparency and an agreement on the process has set the tone for the remainder of Mr. Ayoub's visit. Ayoub, the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee Representative will continue his visit tomorrow with a trip to Coachella Valley High School where he will meet with students, alumni, 
and staff. This will be followed by a tour of the local date industry.

Ayoub accepted an invitation by Mayor Garcia to Coachella's City Hall at the end of Wednesday's visit for a final community discussion, according to the City of Coachella.

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'

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

ARAB MASCOT VIDEO: 'If Someone says I'm Offended then We Should Listen'

VIDEO: Arab Mascot Supporter Says it Stands for 'Pride, Honor, Bravery . . . He Kind of Looks Hispanic to Me'