In response to federal pressure, New York education officials remain firm on retaining the state’s restriction on Native American mascots and team names, despite warnings from the Trump administration that this might result in the loss of federal funding. Instead, officials hinted in a communication to the U.S. Department of Education that the state might expand the ban to cover names and mascots deemed offensive from any racial or ethnic group.
Earlier this month, the Department of Education stated New York had breached Title VI of federal civil rights legislation by implementing a blanket prohibition on Native American mascots and logos. The civil rights division within the department found this state mandate discriminatory since other mascots allowed from groups such as the “Dutchmen” and the “Huguenots” were also based on racial or ethnic derivations.
Daniel Morton-Bentley, legal counselor for New York’s education department, emphasized the state’s openness to collaborate with federal authorities to establish mutually agreeable standards. In his correspondence, Morton-Bentley pointed out the inconsistency in the federal agency’s current support stance for maintaining Native American mascots, contrasting it with prior agency positions in alignment with the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and various tribal leaders, state administrations, and professional bodies that have long critiqued such mascots as harmful and offensive.
Adding to the complexity, a federal judge dismissed an earlier lawsuit lodged by certain local districts opposing the state’s mandate to eliminate Native American mascots or names deemed derogatory, Morton-Bentley observed. He further clarified that the education department is not a fallback option for those unsuccessful in other legal attempts.
Federal department spokesperson Julie Hartman responded, denying specific comment on New York’s proposal to broaden its mandate while refuting the state’s claim of the agency’s rationale as “internally inconsistent.” She argued that allowing mascot representations from every racial or ethnic group yet prohibiting those sourced from Native American origins displays inconsistency.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon recently visited Massapequa, a town on Long Island defying the state ruling on its Native American chief mascot. After unsuccessful legal challenges, McMahon warned New York to reach an agreement within 10 days, lift its ban, and issue an apology for alleged discrimination against Native Americans and perceived attempts to erase their heritage.
New York’s education department has given school districts until June 30 to commit to eradicating offensive mascots or team names linked to Native American culture, failing which they risk forfeiting state funds. However, districts secured exemption from this mandate by forming accords with nearby Native American tribes. As of Thursday, three districts have requested and secured extensions to comply, but Massapequa is not among these districts.