By Thomas Montana
The U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into Connetquot Central School District in its attempt to remove its Native American mascot, name and imagery.
In April, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) launched an investigation into the New York Department of Education and the Board of Regents to determine if Part 123 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education in New York State Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Part 123 specifically states that “no public school in the State of New York may utilize or display an Indigenous name, logo, or mascot other than for purposes of classroom instruction.”
This was supposed to be completed by the end of the 2023 school year, except if the commissioner granted an extension for good cause.
In May, the OCR found the Board’s policy was in violation of Title IV and proposed a voluntary resolution agreement to the Department and the Board.
Despite OCR’s findings that the New York Department of Education and Board of Regents policy prohibiting Native American mascots violates Title VI, the district, which had previously opposed the idea of prohibiting Indigenous names, has now taken a step back and is trying to erase the mascot and imagery entirely.
“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.”
J.P. O’Hare, a spokesperson for the state Education Department, told Newsday, ” Like the previous ‘investigation’ involving the state Education Department, we anticipate that the U.S. Department of Education will ignore the law — including the unsuccessful lawsuits filed by Long Island school districts — in favor of its predetermined outcome.”
Long Island Life & Politics reached out to the school district and the Board of Education, but did not hear back as of press time.