The New York State Board of Regents violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) alleged in a press release Friday. The Department of Education’s OCR investigated the New York Department of Education and the New York State Board of Regents over the banning of Native American mascots and logos in schools across the state.
Statewide mascot ban prompts federal investigation
In 2023, the New York State Board of Regents decided all public schools had to stop using Native American names, images and symbols for their sports teams or mascots as part of an effort to prevent cultural appropriation or stereotyping.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited Massapequa High School, which uses the Native American-themed mascot, the Massapequa Chiefs, on Friday. The visit was to announce the conclusion of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s OCR.
Secretary of Education: ‘We will stand with the people of Massapequa’
“The Trump administration will not stand idly by as state leaders attempt to eliminate the history and culture of Native American tribes,” U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement.
“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.”
Complaint filed by Native American Guardians Association
The Department of Education announced the probe in April after saying the Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) filed a formal complaint with the OCR over the Massapequa School District eliminating its “Chiefs” mascot because it is based on Native American culture.
NAGA argues that this ban violates federal civil rights law, specifically because they view it as a form of discrimination against Native American heritage and cultural expression.
Federal resolution calls for reversal and apology
OCR gave the New York education authorities 10 days to voluntarily comply with a resolution with requirements including:
- Allowing schools to once again use Native American-themed mascots or logos if they choose.
- Inform all school districts that they can use such mascots and logos as long as they are in compliance with Title VI.
- Apologize to Indigenous tribes.
The Department of Education stated that if the New York Department of Education and the New York State Board of Regents fail to comply with the requirements, they risk losing funding and may be referred to the U.S. Department of Justice for legal action.
State officials have yet to comment on the announcement.
