New York state education leaders have made it clear they will not back down from their decision to prohibit the use of Native American-themed mascots and team names in public schools, despite mounting pressure from the Trump administration, which warned that continuing the ban could result in the loss of federal funding.
In response to the U.S. Department of Education’s criticism, New York officials sent a letter on Thursday suggesting that rather than reversing the ban, they may expand it to include mascots and nicknames referencing any racial or ethnic identity that could be viewed as offensive by federal standards.
Under the current policy, school districts across New York have until June 30 to declare their intention to eliminate Native American mascots or risk losing state education dollars. Exceptions are permitted if a district reaches a formal agreement with a recognized Native American tribe. So far, three districts, including Wantagh and Connetquot on Long Island, have received extensions as they work toward compliance. Massapequa, which gained national attention after President Donald Trump expressed support for its refusal to comply, has not asked for additional time.
Wantagh has already agreed to retire its Native American-themed mascot but hopes to retain its “Warriors” name.
Federal education officials recently concluded that New York’s policy violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, arguing it discriminates by singling out Native American imagery while permitting team names tied to other ethnic or national groups, such as “Dutchmen” and “Huguenots.”
Julie Hartman, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Education, rejected New York’s argument that the federal ruling was based on contradictions. “What is internally inconsistent is that the New York Board of Regents prohibited mascots based on Native American race or national origin, but allowed mascots derived from other racial or ethnic groups, such as the ‘Dutchmen’ and the ‘Huguenots’,” she said in an email.
Daniel Morton-Bentley, legal counsel for New York’s education department, acknowledged the federal position but emphasized in his letter that it clashes with long-standing consensus from civil rights groups, tribal leaders, and professional associations that such mascots are harmful. He also pointed out the inconsistency with the federal agency’s own past opposition to Native-themed mascots.
Morton-Bentley cited a recent ruling from a New York federal judge who dismissed a lawsuit filed by several districts, including Massapequa, challenging the state’s policy. He noted that the federal civil rights office “is not a court of last resort for unsuccessful litigants.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon recently traveled to Massapequa to show support for the district’s defiance. She issued a 10-day ultimatum, demanding that the state both rescind the ban and issue an apology to Native Americans for what she called a discriminatory act and an attempt to “erase” their heritage.
{Matzav.com}
