Why is the Connetquot Central School District accused of violating civil rights law?

Federal education officials claim the district violated civil rights law by changing its 'Thunderbirds' team name to 'T-Birds' to comply with a state ban on Native American mascots, while other ethnic-based mascots remain.

What was the Connetquot Central School District's original team name?

The district's original team name was the 'Thunderbirds'.

What is the U.S. Department of Education's stance on the mascot change?

The Department of Education stated that the district can resolve the violation by restoring the 'Thunderbirds' name and that the Trump Administration is committed to ensuring equal treatment under the law.

Home / Education / NY School District Accused of Erasing Heritage

NY School District Accused of Erasing Heritage

24 Jan

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Summary

Federal officials claim district violated civil rights law.
The district changed its name from 'Thunderbirds' to 'T-Birds'.
The change aimed to comply with state ban on Native American mascots.

NY School District Accused of Erasing Heritage

A New York school district is facing accusations from federal education officials for allegedly "erasing its Native American heritage" through a recent team name change. The Connetquot Central School District on Long Island altered its team name from the "Thunderbirds" to the "T-Birds" to comply with a state mandate that prohibits Native American sports names and mascots.

However, the U.S. Department of Education contends that this state regulation violates civil rights law. Officials argue that the ban is discriminatory because it permits schools to retain names associated with other racial or ethnic groups, such as "Dutchmen" or "Huguenots." This selective enforcement, they claim, is unequal under the law.

The school district is currently reviewing the federal finding. The state education department, meanwhile, has criticized the federal conclusion, stating it undermines civil rights laws. The district had previously agreed to use the "T-Birds" name and related imagery, like an eagle or lightning bolt, in exchange for dropping a legal challenge to the state's mascot ban.