In a significant development, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Massapequa High School today to announce that the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has concluded its investigation into the New York Department of Education and the New York State Board of Regents.
The investigation found that the Board of Regents violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by instituting a statewide ban on the use of Native American mascots and logos by public school districts.
Findings of the OCR Investigation
OCR’s investigation revealed that the Board of Regents had enacted a statewide ban on school names, mascots, and logos associated with Native American culture and heritage.
However, the Board allowed schools to retain mascots, names, and logos based on other racial or ethnic groups, such as “Dutchmen” and “Huguenots.”
OCR concluded that this selective enforcement of the policy was discriminatory, as it singled out Native American culture while allowing other ethnic groups’ cultural symbols to remain untouched.
Secretary McMahon strongly condemned the policy, stating, “The Trump Administration will not stand idly by as state leaders attempt to eliminate the history and culture of Native American tribes.”
She criticized the New York Department of Education and the Board of Regents for focusing on erasing Massapequa’s history while turning a blind eye to similar practices in other school districts.
McMahon reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to standing with the people of Massapequa and advocating for the restoration of commonsense and justice in the state’s policies.
Proposed Resolution and Potential Consequences
As a result of the violations, OCR has issued a proposed Resolution Agreement to the New York Department of Education and the Board of Regents. This agreement provides a 10-day period to resolve the Title VI violations voluntarily.
If the New York Department of Education and the Board of Regents fail to comply within the given timeframe, the matter could be referred to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for enforcement proceedings, which could lead to potential loss of federal funding for the state’s education programs.
The Resolution Agreement requires the New York Department of Education and the Board of Regents to:
- Rescind the regulation prohibiting the use of Indigenous names, mascots, and logos in New York public schools.
- Issue a memorandum to all Local Education Agencies, informing them that they are free to adopt names, mascots, and logos that comply with Title VI regulations.
- Issue formal apologies to Indigenous tribes, acknowledging that the Board violated Title VI by discriminating against Native Americans and undermining their history through the implementation of this policy.
Local Leaders Respond to the Announcement
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman praised Secretary McMahon for her leadership, highlighting her commitment to innovative educational programs and advocating for greater parental involvement in decision-making.
“We were delighted to welcome her to Nassau County today and grateful for her leadership in uplifting the rich culture and history of Massapequa,” Blakeman said.
The announcement also garnered support from local communities, particularly those who felt the actions of the Board of Regents had unfairly targeted Massapequa’s longstanding history and cultural traditions.
Background of the Investigation
The investigation was prompted by a complaint filed by the Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) on April 25, 2025.
The complaint alleged that the Board of Regents’ ban on Native American mascots violated federal anti-discrimination laws, particularly Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
This law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in any federally funded education program.
The issue came to the forefront when the Massapequa School District was forced to eliminate its “Chiefs” mascot due to the Board’s prohibition on Native American-themed symbols.
This move sparked significant backlash from the community, prompting NAGA to file the complaint.
What is Title VI of the Civil Rights Act?
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark law that ensures no person is discriminated against based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.
This includes all public education institutions that receive federal funds. The law is designed to ensure equal opportunities for all students, irrespective of their racial or ethnic background.
Next Steps
The Department of Education’s OCR is closely monitoring the situation and has made it clear that the New York Department of Education and the Board of Regents must take immediate action to comply with federal law.
The OCR is committed to ensuring that Native American culture is respected and upheld in all educational settings and that discriminatory policies are promptly corrected.
Today’s announcement marks a significant step in protecting Native American culture and history in the U.S. education system.
Secretary McMahon’s strong stance against the New York Board of Regents’ policy highlights the Department of Education’s commitment to ensuring that federal laws like Title VI are respected and upheld.
If the state fails to comply with the Resolution Agreement, further legal action will be taken, including the potential loss of federal funding, to safeguard the rights of Native Americans and ensure equal treatment in educational institutions.
