New York State Board of Regents votes to ban Native American names for school mascots

NEW YORK -- Professional and collegiate sports teams have been pressured or volunteered to change their Native American team names. 

New York state school districts learned Tuesday they have no choice. 

Calling it long overdue, the use of Native American mascots, team names and logos in public schools is now banned, per the New York Board of Regents. 

The vote was unanimous. 

"Maybe the state in their ultimate wisdom will fund some of it," said Patrick Pizzarelli. 

• Related Story: New York orders schools to commit to changing Native American team names by end of 2022 or risk losing state aid

Pizzarelli directs the governing body of interscholastic sports in Nassau County. He wonders if taxpayers will have to finance the removal of logos from turf fields, scoreboards, hardwood floors and uniforms. 

"You're talking hundreds of thousands of dollars," he said. 

The state has 55 school districts with Native-themed mascots. More than dozen of them are on Long Island, including Syosset. That's where Joe Kennedy put four children through school. He's been vocal about keeping the Braves mascot. 

"I just think we are trying to erase something that doesn't need to be erased," Kennedy said. "It's something of honor. It's a sense of pride we have in our team." 

Yet the Shinnecock and Unkechaug Indian Nations on Long Island say it was past time to eliminate hurtful symbols, in compliance with the Dignity For All Students Act. 

"The mascot has been demonstrated both emotionally and medically to be damaging to Native children, who see that as a humiliation of their culture and their way of life," said Chief Harry Wallace of the Unkechaug Indian Nation. 

On the famed wall in Massapequa, the mural of the Chiefs was recently painted over. The community wonders what will replace it. A petition is still collecting signatures to retain the name. 

"Bogus that we have to change our logo that we've had for so long. It's basically part of the whole town's history," one student said. 

But others are aware of the pain it may cause. 

"if anyone is offended by our Chief logo then it should be changed," one student said. 

"It would be nice to keep it, but I understand if it's offensive," another said. 

Districts have until the end of the 2024-25 school year to fully comply or risk losing state aid and jobs.