Appeals court backs NY mascot ban, but Wantagh fight continues
As News 12 previously reported, state education officials announced in 2023 that they were ending the use of Native American mascots, team names and logos in public schools.
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A federal appeals court has ruled in favor of New York state's ban on Native American mascots, team names and logos in public schools, marking a victory for state education officials, while keeping part of the legal challenge alive.
As News 12 previously reported, state education officials announced in 2023 that they were ending the use of Native American mascots, team names and logos in public schools. School districts were then given until June 30, 2025, to comply with the regulation.
The Wantagh Union Free School District and board member Anthony Greco filed a lawsuit, arguing the policy violated free speech protections.
In a statement, the State Education Department said it was:
"...pleased by the court's decision to uphold previous determinations. We hope the district and board will now direct their efforts toward coming into compliance with the ban on the use of stereotypical mascots..."
The three-judge panel on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit agreed that a lower court should rehear Greco's case.
Wantagh Schools Superintendent John McNamara said the district was encouraged by that portion of the ruling.
"This is the outcome we were hoping for," said McNamara. "We have been asking New York state to work with us on the Warrior name and allowing us to keep that name. They have been unwilling to do so. That's why we initiated the lawsuit."
The state has given the district until June 30, 2027, to change its name and mascot. School administrators say they are developing new mascot imagery but plan to continue their effort to preserve the Warrior name.
McNamara said no date has been set for Greco's case to be heard again in lower federal court.
MORE: 2 Long Island school districts sue Board of Regents over mascot ban
