Education secretary threatens investigation over New York ban on Native American mascots
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon contends that New York state is discriminating against a school district that refuses to get rid of its Native American chief mascot.
The Associated Press reports that McMahon said the Massapequa district could face a Justice Department investigation or risk losing federal funding.
On a visit to Massapequa High School, McMahon said an Education Department investigation has concluded that state education officials violated Title VI of the federal civil rights law by banning the use of Native American mascots and logos statewide.
The department’s civil rights office found the state ban is discriminatory because names and mascots derived from other racial or ethnic groups, such as the “Dutchmen” and the “Huguenots,” are still permitted.
“The Trump Administration will not stand idly by as state leaders attempt to eliminate the history and culture of Native American tribes,” McMahon said.
McMahon said her department will give the state 10 days to sign an agreement rescinding its Native American mascot ban and apologizing to Native Americans for having discriminated against them and attempted to “erase” their history.
JP O’Hare, a spokesperson for the New York education department, dismissed McMahon’s visit as “political theater” and said the school district was doing a “grave disservice” to its students by refusing to consult with local tribes about their concerns.
“These representatives will tell them, as they have told us, that certain Native American names and images perpetuate negative stereotypes and are demonstrably harmful to children,” he said.
President Trump ordered the education department last month to launch an inquiry into the Massapequa mascot dispute. The district has for years fought a state mandate to retire Native American sports names and mascots.
About the Author
Mike Kennedy
Senior Editor
Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.