California to Remove Derogatory Term from Locations

California is set to rename over 30 locations in 15 counties that use the term 'squaw,' a derogatory term for Native American women, following a law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022. The renaming process, managed by the California Natural Resources Agency and in consultation with Native American tribes, is intended to address historical injustices and improve relationships between state officials and Indigenous communities. Assemblymember James Ramos emphasized that the term dehumanizes Native American women and has no place in modern language. This change aligns with broader efforts across the U.S. to eliminate racist terminology from public spaces, including a recent name change at a California ski resort. The new names are expected to be implemented by January 1, 2025. The federal government has also removed the term from over 600 federal place names, reinforcing a national shift away from offensive language.