Civil Rights Violation: New York School’s Name Change Under Scrutiny

BOHEMIA, N.Y. — A school district in New York is facing accusations of violating civil rights laws by changing its team name from ‘Thunderbirds’ to ‘T-Birds.’

The U.S. Department of Education has stated that the Connetquot Central School District is diminishing its Native American heritage with this change.

Federal officials suggest that the district can rectify this violation by reinstating the original name, ‘Thunderbirds.’ The decision to change the name was made to comply with state regulations prohibiting Native American mascots.

However, officials argue that the state’s mandate contradicts civil rights laws since it allows schools to retain names inspired by other racial or ethnic groups, such as the 'Dutchmen' and 'Huguenots.'

Kimberly Richey, head of the Education Department’s civil rights office, emphasized that equality under the law should apply to all community names, stating, “We will not allow ideologues to decide which mascots based on national origin are acceptable.”

The school district is currently reviewing the federal findings, while state education officials criticized the conclusion, claiming it undermines civil rights laws.

JP O'Hare, a spokesperson for the state agency, remarked, “USDOE has offered no explanation as to whose civil rights were violated by changing a team name from Thunderbirds to T-Birds.” The New York State Education Department remains committed to eliminating outdated and offensive representations of Indigenous people.

Last year, an agreement allowed the school to adopt the ‘T-Birds’ name while also using imagery related to eagles and lightning, in exchange for dropping its legal challenge to the state’s mascot ban.

Native American advocates highlight that the 'Thunderbird' is a significant mythical figure in many indigenous cultures, often regarded as a powerful and protective spirit.