Native American Mascot Ban Prompts Change, Anger Among Long Island Schools

A significant transformation is taking place in a minimum of ten school districts located in Long Island.

On April 18th, the New York State Board of Regents decided to prohibit public schools throughout New York from using Native American names, mascots, or logos.

By the end of this school year, school districts will be obligated to commit to a new ruling that supplements the present Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.

According to the amendment, the utilization of Native American mascots may result in a negative atmosphere for students, and therefore, goes against the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). Any schools that do not adhere to DASA may have their state funding revoked and could witness their leaders being terminated for disobedience.

Presently, there are around ten schools located on Long Island that incorporate logos and mascots that pertain to Indigenous culture.

Several schools are expressing worry and even considering taking legal measures in response to the recently implemented regulations.

On Tuesday, April 18, the Massapequa Board of Education, recognized by the mascot "The Chief," issued an official statement denouncing the ballot outcome.

The statement declares that the Board of Regents is exceeding its authority and taking away our autonomy. It further states that as Massapequa, we will not remain passive spectators as a group of officials who were not elected try to take away our past.ors to erase our heritage.

Massapequa refused to provide any additional statement about their position.

The amendment states that in the event of a written agreement between a tribal nation and a public school to use Indigenous imagery, schools may be granted an exception to the new rule.

If not, all schools have to eliminate any representation pertaining to Indigenous culture from their logos, buildings, fields, and uniforms before the conclusion of the 2024-2025 academic term.

Other Long Island schools affected include:

• Sachem High School East;
• Brentwood Union Free School District;
• Wyandanch Union Free School District;
• Comsewogue School District; and
• Wantagh Public Schools.

According to a statement given to Daily Voice, Dr. Jennifer Quinn, the superintendent of the Comsewogue School District, acknowledged that a change must be made to their mascot. The current logo represents the silhouette of a Native American male.

The amendment clearly states that it is not allowed to utilize images that portray or allude to Indigenous people, tribes, nations, individuals, customs, symbols, or traditions, also involving real or common features of Indigenous cultures.

It is probable that Half Hollow Hills High School East and Connetquot High School would have to eliminate the Thunderbird as their mascot, which originates from Native American cultures, because of this situation.

Dr. Quinn mentioned that Comsewogue's name "warriors" is being reviewed and awaiting further specifics from the Board of Regents to determine if it needs alteration.

She wrote that they would collaborate with their legal advisor and community to figure out what their course of action will be, in accordance with the given advice.

The deadline for committing to the new guidelines is the end of the 2022-2023 academic year for Boards of Education.

At the time of printing, a number of additional educational institutions located in Long Island have yet to acknowledge requests for commentary.

The story will be revised as needed.

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