The U.S. Department of Education is investigating a New York school district it claims is trying to “erase” its Native American mascot and imagery to comply with a state rule that violates federal civil rights laws.
The department said its Office for Civil Rights is probing whether the Connetquot Central School District is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act for trying to do away with its Native American mascot and imagery, the Thunderbirds. The investigation stems from a complaint originally filed by the Native American Guardians Association, the federal agency said.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon said despite the department’s recent finding that a New York policy prohibiting Native American mascots violates federal antidiscrimination laws, the Long Island school district “reversed course” and is “actively taking steps to erase its Native American mascot and imagery” to comply with the state regulation.
“The Department of Education has been clear with the state of New York: it is neither legal nor right to prohibit Native American mascots and logos while celebrating European and other cultural imagery in schools. New York’s patronizing attitude toward Native Americans must end,” she said in a statement.
While many national Native American groups protest the use of mascot names and images such as “Redskins” and “Sachems” as derogatory, McMahon said during a recent visit to New York, she found that “many individuals in the Native American community expressed deep pride in their heritage and local mascots.”
“Images like the Thunderbirds and Chiefs are seen as symbols of strength, honor, and identity – not of disrespect,” she said. “We will continue to support the Native American community and ensure their heritage is equally protected under the law.”
The move comes as the Justice Department considers prosecuting two state agencies in New York over accusations that they violated federal civil rights law by banning Native American-inspired mascots and logos.
DOE said an investigation launched in April determined the New York Department of Education and the New York State Board of Regents violated the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 after state agencies forced Massapequa School District, home of the Chiefs, to retire its mascot.
The New York State Education Department has called the DOE’s probe a “farce” and said school mascots and imagery in the state “should reflect respect, not indolent symbolism masquerading as tradition.”
Two years ago, the Board of Regents unanimously voted to prohibit the use of Indigenous team names, mascots and logos by New York public schools. Under the regulations, names or imagery can be used if the school district gets formal consent from New York’s indigenous nations or tribes. Schools deemed in violation could face state funding cuts, according to education officials.
Four Long Island school districts, including Massapequa, challenged the regulations in U.S. District Court. In March a federal judge rejected the complaint.
