The U.S. Department of Education has initiated an investigation into New York's Department of Education regarding its ban on Native American school mascots, citing potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. This follows the Native American Guardians Association's complaint claiming that the ban discriminates against Native American heritage. Education Secretary Linda McMahon criticized New York for prioritizing the erasure of Native American culture while misallocating educational resources, asserting that many mascots are named after various ethnic groups yet only Native American representations are targeted for removal.
The US Department of Education will not stand by as the state of New York attempts to rewrite history and deny the town of Massapequa the right to celebrate its heritage in its schools.
While New York chooses to prioritize erasing Native Americans, their rich history, and their deep connection to the state, it is requiring schools to divert time and resources away from what really matters: educating our students.
It is not lost on the Department that there are several mascots that refer to indigenous or ethnic groups - the Vikings, Fighting Irish, the Cowboys - and yet New York has specifically singled out Native American heritage.
The Native American Guardians Association alleged that New York is solely targeting Native American groups and images by attempting to eliminate them from athletic contests.
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