U.S. Department of Education Finds Connetquot Central School District Violated Title VI by Complying with Native American Mascot Ban

Today, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) concluded its investigation into Connetquot Central School District (the District) in Long Island, New York. OCR found the District violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) by re-naming their traditional "Thunderbirds" mascot to the "T-Birds" solely because it originates from Native American symbolism.

OCR previously determined in May 2025 that the New York State Education Department and Board of Regents (the Board)'s regulation banning Native American imagery violated Title VI. The regulation prohibited names, mascots, or logos based on Native American race and national origin, while allowing the use of those derived from different racial or ethnic groups, such as "Dutchmen" and "Huguenots," thereby unlawfully implementing race- and national-origin-based classifications in education policy. In September 2025, the District's Board affirmed compliance with New York's regulation and approved a settlement agreement to change its team name from the traditional "Thunderbirds" to "T-Birds." OCR concluded that by abandoning its Native American name to comply with a discriminatory rule, the District engaged in race- and national-origin-based discrimination in violation of Title VI.

"Today, we found Connetquot Central School District in violation of Title VI for erasing its Native American heritage to comply with a discriminatory New York state regulation. We will not allow ideologues to decide that some mascots based on national origin are acceptable while others are banned. Equal treatment under the law is non-negotiable," said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey. "We expect the District to do the right thing and comply with our resolution agreement to voluntarily resolve its civil rights violation and restore the Thunderbirds' rightful name. The Trump Administration will not relent in ensuring that every community is treated equally under the law."

OCR has offered the District the opportunity to enter into OCR's proposed Resolution Agreement, which requires the District to reverse its discriminatory erasure of Native American imagery by readopting the name "Thunderbirds" for its sports teams and all associated logos and mascots.

Background

In July 2025, OCR initiated an investigation of the District based on a complaint alleging that the District treated Native American mascots differently based on race, color or national origin.

In May 2025, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Massapequa High School in Long Island, New York to announce OCR concluded that the Board violated Title VI by banning the use of Native American mascots and logos by school districts in the state of New York, including the Massapequa Chiefs.

Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in education programs and activities receiving federal funding.