California becomes first state to ban 'Redskins' team name

California became the first state to ban public schools from using "Redskins" as a team name, nickname or mascot on Sunday after California governor Jerry Brown signed into law a provision banning schools from using the term.

The law, which becomes effective on January 1, 2017, affects four California schools.

Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter  and the National Congress of American Indians Executive Director Jackie Pata, who led the advocacy group Change the Mascot, praised California Assemblyman Luis Alejo and Brown for pushing the law through.

ThankU, @JerryBrownGov, for signing AB30 to phase out "Redskins" mascots in all CA public schools! 1st IN THE NATION pic.twitter.com/14MGjw9mRV

— Asm. Luis Alejo (@AsmLuisAlejo) October 11, 2015

“They have set a shining example for other states across the country, and for the next generation, by demonstrating a commitment to the American ideals of inclusion and mutual respect," they wrote in a joint statement.

"The most populous state in the country has now taken a stand against the use of this insidious slur in its schools, and Change the Mascot expects more states to follow."

Halbritter and Pata are using the passage of California's bill to pressure the NFL's Washington, D.C. team to lose its "Redskins" name.

The Washington team has refused to change its name — since many supporters of the team insist that Native Americans aren’t actually offended by the name.