By Hank Russell
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Massapequa High School, home of the Massapequa Chiefs, on May 30 to announce that the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has concluded its investigation into the New York Department of Education and the New York State Board of Regents (the Board). OCR determined that the Board has violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (1964) by banning the use of Native American mascots and logos by school districts in the state of New York.
In its investigation, OCR found that the Board of Regents implemented a statewide prohibition on names, mascots, or logos based on Native American race and national origin, but allowed names, mascots, and logos that appear to have been derived from other racial or ethnic groups, such as the “Dutchmen” and the “Huguenots.” Accordingly, OCR determined that the Board’s policy was discriminatory, and, therefore, violating Title VI.
As previously reported by Long Island Life & Politics, the Education Department launched an investigation into the New York State Board of Regents for a reported violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The OCR assessed whether New York’s threat to withhold funding if the Massapequa School District does not eliminate its Native American mascot constitutes discrimination on the basis of race and national origin. The school’s decision has garnered support from elected officials, including President Donald Trump.
It was also reported that the state’s Board of Regents banned the use of Native American nicknames and mascots in 2023 and ordered the schools to change their names or else they would not receive school funding from the state, citing CBS New York.
The OCR issued a proposed Resolution Agreement to the New York Department of Education and the New York State Board of Regents to voluntarily resolve the Title VI violations detailed in the noncompliance finding within 10 days or risk possible referral to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for enforcement proceedings and potential loss of federal funding. The requirements include:
- rescinding the part of the educational regulation prohibiting the use of Indigenous names, mascots, and logos by New York public schools
- issuing a memorandum to all Local Education Agencies informing them that they may adopt a name, mascot, and logo consistent with the requirements of Title VI
- issuing letters of apology to Indigenous tribes, acknowledging that the Board violated Title VI by discriminating against Native Americans and, through its implementation of the statewide policy, silenced the voices of Native Americans and attempted to erase Native American history
On April 25, the OCR opened an investigation into New York Department of Education, Board of Regents after the Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) filed a complaint with the OCR, alleging that the Board of Regents was violating federal anti-discrimination law by forcing the Massapequa School District to eliminate its ‘Chiefs’ mascot based on its association with Native American culture.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (1964) prohibits discrimination in federally funded education programs on the basis of race, color, or national origin.
“The Trump Administration will not stand idly by as state leaders attempt to eliminate the history and culture of Native American tribes,” McMahon said. “Rather than focus on learning outcomes, the New York Department of Education and Board of Regents has set its sights on erasing Massapequa’s history – while turning a blind eye to other districts’ mascots that are derived from or connected to other racial or ethnic groups. We will stand with the people of Massapequa until commonsense is restored and justice is served, and until New York comes into compliance with federal law.”
“Secretary McMahon has distinguished herself both in the private and public sectors as a true leader,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. “As Education Secretary, she continues to embrace innovative programs to better educate our children and to advocate for more parental inclusion in decisions regarding the education of our kids. We were delighted to welcome her to Nassau County today and grateful for her leadership in uplifting the rich culture and history of Massapequa.”
LILP has also reported that the school district will hold a “Save the Chiefs” rally on June 7.
LILP reached out to the state Education Department and is waiting to hear back.