On June 6, 2025, New York officials refused to rescind the statewide ban on Native American mascots despite federal threats to cut funding. The federal Department of Education determined last week that the ban violated Title VI for discrimination by allowing some racial mascots but targeting Native Americans.
Several school districts, including Massapequa, resisted removing mascots and unsuccessfully challenged the ban in court, while three districts gained extensions to comply by June 30.
Daniel Morton-Bentley, legal counsel for New York’s education department, stated that the federal government now supports keeping Native American mascots, a shift from previous tribal and agency positions.
New York officials expressed willingness to collaborate with federal authorities to clarify standards, reflecting ongoing tension over the mascot controversy and compliance enforcement.
