Overview

• The U.S. Department of Education referred its probe into New York’s 2023 ban on Native American mascots and imagery to the Department of Justice on June 17.
• Secretary of Education Linda McMahon found the policy violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by banning mascots of one ethnicity while permitting European-derived logos.
• New York’s Board of Regents and State Education Department twice declined a proposed resolution to rescind the ban, triggering the DOJ referral.
• The Massapequa School District continues its legal fight to retain the “Chiefs” mascot with backing from President Trump and the Native American Guardians Association.
• Most affected Long Island districts have retired Native American imagery at steep rebranding costs and face penalties, including possible cuts to state funding.