EDUCATION ISSUES---NATIVE AMERICAN MASCOT BAN PROMPTS CHANGE, ANGER, AMONG LONG ISLAND SCHOOLS

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

For at least ten Long Island school districts, a big change is underway.

Sophie Grieser
04/19/2023 4:30 p.m.

The New York State Board of Regents voted on Tuesday, April 18 to ban the use of Native American names, mascots, or logos by public schools across the state of New York.

The ruling, which is an addition to the existing Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, will require school districts to make a commitment to the rule by the end of this school year.

The amendment states that “the use of Native American mascots” could create a hostile environment for students, thus putting it in violation of the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). Schools that defy DASA may lose state aid and may see their officials fired for noncompliance.

As it stands, about ten schools on Long Island currently have logos and mascots related to Indigenous culture.

Some schools are voicing concerns about, and even threatening legal action against, the new rules.

The Massapequa Board of Education, whose mascot is “The Chief," released a statement on Tuesday, April 18 decrying the vote. MORE AT Native American Mascot Ban Prompts Change, Anger Among Long Island Schools | Nassau Daily Voice | Your Local News for Nassau County, New York