New York set to ban Native American mascots, logos in schools during vote next week

The Board of Regents is expected to vote on the ban on Monday and Tuesday.

Christine Amante and News 12 Staff

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Apr 13, 2023, 4:14 PM

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Updated 617 days ago

New York is days away from a vote to ban the use of Native American mascots, team names and logos.

The Board of Regents is expected to vote on the ban on Monday and Tuesday.

The ban will require public schools using Native American mascots, team names and logos to change the names and remove the imagery by the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

"I understand the history of the schools and their mascot names means a lot to the school districts and the community, but we don't want to be imposing a negative behavior or negative connotation of any community," says Tom Combs, of Section XI Athletics in Suffolk County.

The ban could affect at least 12 high schools in 11 districts on Long Island.

Many in school athletics say a mascot change could be a huge expense.

"They're going to have to find the money somewhere so they're going to have to take money from one part of their budget to cover this and you could be talking half a million dollars in some cases," says Patrick Pizzarelli, of Section VIII Athletics in Nassau County.

The school districts will have until June 2025 to make the changes if the vote is approved.

Schools that do not comply could be ineligible to receive state aid.

The schools that would be impacted by the ban on Long Island are:

Sachem East and Sachem North Flaming Arrows

Comsewogue Warriors

Manhasset Indians

Brentwood Indians

Sewanhaka Indians

Wyandanch Warriors

Wantagh Warriors

Amityville Warriors

Superintendent of Amityville Union Free School District Dr. Ed Fale:

"Our athletic teams and our students are the Amityville Warriors. The district has removed any native references from our logo. Years ago, there was imagery of a face with a headdress, which was removed several years ago and replaced by a large capital 'A' for Amityville. The former image may still appear on some random cafeteria tables but these will be repainted. We believe that the word 'Warrior' alone will be permitted for continued use, as it means a person who shows strength, vigor or courage. We believe that describes our students."

East Islip Redmen

Statement from Interim Superintendent of Schools Paul Manzo:

"The District intends to comply with regulations and policies the Board of Regents and state puts forth. However, the district has no further comment until the Board of Regents officially provides additional guidance. "

Massapequa Chiefs

The topic was discussed in a school newsletter. No further comment.

Syosset Braves

The Syosset Central School District said in a statement to News 12, "The Syosset Board of Education is awaiting the regents' final action on the proposed regulation before determining next steps."

News 12 will add more statements from the affected schools as we receive them.