Pioneer Pete Overview

In response to 2018 resolutions passed by Cal State East Bay's Academic Senate mascot resolution and Associated Students, Inc. mascot resolution regarding concerns with the campus mascot Pioneer Pete, President Leroy Morishita has convened a task force to consider the resolutions and present recommendations. The faculty and student resolutions noted that the current mascot—"Pioneer Pete"—is viewed by some as a symbol of the colonization of California and the Western United States. President Morishita acknowledged that although the campus is committed to keeping the Cal State East Bay identity of Pioneers, the university community may want to find a more inclusive way to represent that identity.

At the request of President Leroy M. Morishita, a task force comprised of students, faculty, staff and alumni convened in January 2019 to develop recommendations due to him in late spring 2019. As part of this discovery process, the task force has created this dynamic webpage to provide information and gather feedback about the process, and will survey students, faculty/staff, and alumni. Additionally, Town Hall discussions were held on Thursday, April 4 and Tuesday, April 9. 

What's the history of Pioneer Pete? Find out more.