University Of Iowa Challenges Murrieta High School's Mascot

MURRIETA (AP) — The University of Iowa is demanding a Riverside County high school get rid of its mascot.

The university says Murrieta Valley High's Nighthawk emblem is too similar to its trademarked Hawkeye.

The Riverside Press-Enterprise says Iowa's trademark licensing director, Dale Arens, sent an October letter to the high school principal demanding Murrieta stop using the mascot. The letter didn't set a deadline and Arens says the school can gradually phase out the logo.

Both emblems feature a bird's face but Iowa's colors are black and gold while Murrieta Valley's are red and black.

Murrieta Valley Unified School District spokeswoman Karen Parris says a committee of staff and students will determine whether the logo should be revised or replaced.

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