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Education Department Finds Long Island District Violated Civil Rights With Mascot Change

Federal investigators say New York’s mascot ban unlawfully singles out Native American names, prompting a demand that Connetquot restore “Thunderbirds.”

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Overview

  • The Office for Civil Rights concluded Connetquot violated Title VI by replacing “Thunderbirds” with “T‑Birds” to comply with the state ban on Native American names and imagery.
  • OCR offered a Resolution Agreement requiring the district to readopt the “Thunderbirds” name and restore associated logos and mascots.
  • Connetquot said it is reviewing the finding, while New York’s education department criticized the decision and reaffirmed support for eliminating indigenous depictions in schools.
  • The probe followed OCR’s May 2025 determination that the statewide ban violates Title VI and a complaint from the Native American Guardians Association.
  • Federal officials have referenced potential funding penalties and possible Justice Department involvement as enforcement tools as legal challenges proceed.