Today, the U.S. Department of Education launched an investigation into Connetquot Central School District (the District) on Long Island, New York for reportedly working to erase its Native American mascot and imagery, the Thunderbirds. The Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) will determine whether the District is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (1964). The Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) filed the complaint with OCR.
Despite OCR’s finding last month that the New York Department of Education and Board of Regents policy prohibiting Native American mascots violates Title VI, the Connetquot Central School District—which had vigorously opposed Part 123 in litigation and public statements, citing constitutional violations—has now reversed course and is actively taking steps to erase its Native American mascot and imagery to comply with a state regulation that violates federal civil rights law.
“During my recent visit to New York, 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,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “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.”
Background:
In April, OCR launched an investigation into the New York Department of Education and the Board of Regents (the Board) to determine whether Part 123 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education in New York State, which prohibits public schools from using Indigenous names, logos, or mascot, violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
In May, Secretary McMahon announced that OCR found the Board’s policy is in violation of Title VI and proposed a voluntary resolution agreement to the state Department and Board.
In June, the U.S. Department of Education referred the Massapequa mascot case to the U.S. Department of Justice for enforcement.