Photo: Alamy
The U.S. Department of Education has announced an investigation into the Connetquot Central School District of Long Island, New York. This district is accused of seeking to erase its Native American mascot, the Thunderbirds, in violation of Title VI.
According to the Department of Education press release, the Office of Civil Rights determined that the New York Department of Education Board of Regents’ policy banning Native American imagery violates Title VI.
In 2022, the New York State Board of Regents ordered that schools must stop using Native American names and logos statewide, according to the AP News. This directive followed a 2001 policy aimed at phasing out Native American imagery from mascots, teams and logos.
The Native American Guardian’s Association (NGA) filed a complaint against the Connetquot Central School District. This group supports preserving Native American heritage through naming and imagery displayed with titles and mascots. Their website states, “NAGA is the representative voice of a poll-proven 90% of Native Americans who have no problem with or support these national treasures.”
Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the situation in the Department of Education press release, stating, “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. We will continue to support the Native American community and ensure their heritage is equally protected under the law,” she concluded.