The New York Board of Regents banned public schools in the Empire State from using Native American mascots, as schools across the country have eschewed indigenous imagery for their school spirit.
On a unanimous vote, the board enacted the new policy that will require any public schools that have a Native American mascot to change it by the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Schools that wish to keep their mascot must receive approval from a Native American group.
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Mascots that must be changed include “warriors” or “raiders” unless they do not contain any Native American imagery. “Chiefs,” “Indians,” or “Tomahawks” must be changed, or state funds could be withheld from the school.
In a series of tweets, the New York-based Oneida Indian Nation said it supported the board of regent’s decision and said the tribe would not approve any requests from schools that wished to keep their Native American-themed mascot.
“Native American organizations, civil rights groups, and public health organizations have made clear the damage that the mascotization of Native people has on our youth,” the tribe said. “Promoting inclusivity and mutual respect is the best way to unify our communities moving forward.”
“Native American organizations, civil rights groups and public health organizations have made clear the damage that the mascotization of Native people has on our youth. Promoting inclusivity and mutual respect is the best way to unify our communities moving forward.”
— Oneida Indian Nation (@OneidaNatnNews) April 17, 2023
The New York Department of Education said it expects legal challenges from school districts. At least one school district that has a “Warrior” nickname said it will consult with an attorney about the changes.
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“The Board of Education is receiving this news today along with the rest of our community,” Mohonasen School District Superintendent Shannon Shine said Wednesday. “Time is needed to digest the information, to seek legal counsel, to see what additional information is put forward from the NYS Education Department and the NYSBOR, and to plan to further engage with our community stakeholders (parents, alumni, students, faculty/staff, and residents) regarding the new regulations.”
The Department of Education said it will provide details on the new rules to school boards in the coming weeks, the Times Union
reported
.
