For three days this week, a controversial song that mimics Native American stereotypes played for one minute during the period between classes at Stagg High School in Stockton and some people are angry. 

The “tomahawk chop” chant — complete with a chopping gesture — was claimed by the Florida State University marching band in the 1980s and has been viewed by some as a racist and controversial imitation of Native American culture. Fans of sports teams such as the Atlanta Braves in baseball and the Kansas City Chiefs in football have also adopted the chant.

A spokesperson for the Stockton Unified School District said the school began playing the tomahawk chop between class periods to encourage students to get to class on time and to promote college spirit.

The school said three different college songs had been picked to play during the time when students switch classes and the tomahawk chop was one of them. 

However, not everyone was feeling encouraged, and a teacher sent an email to school staff expressing their concerns.

In the email, they said they were “deeply upset” to hear it being played and alleged that a colleague also found the song to be racist and offensive. 

… my hope is that this incident becomes a teaching moment for those of you who may not have known why the Tomahawk Chop fight song and chant are so offensive. portion of the email sent by a teacher

“This email is not meant to be an attack on anyone. Rather, my hope is that this incident becomes a teaching moment for those of you who may not have known why the Tomahawk Chop fight song and chant are so offensive,” stated the email. “I don’t blame you for not knowing. According to the National Congress of American Indians, 87 percent of K-12 history standards across the country fail to mention Native peoples after the year 1900.”

According to the school district, school administration officials said that they were not aware of the song being considered offensive and were not aware that anyone would be bothered by it.a

The school immediately removed the song and informed staff that it would not be played again, district officials said. 

“The site was not aware of the controversy and meant no harm,” said a statement from the district. “We absolutely apologize and will make sure no such song is used again.”

Victoria Franco is a Stockton-based reporter covering the diverse news around the Central Valley as part of the Report for America program. As a Stockton native, Franco is proud to cover stories within her community and report a variety of coverage. She is a San Jose State University alumna with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. In her collegiate years she was Managing Editor for the Spartan Daily. From her time at the Spartan Daily she helped lead her staff to California College Media Awards and a General Excellence first place. Victoria encourages readers to email her story tips and ideas at victoria.franco@baycitynews.com.