The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has concluded an investigation into the Connetquot Central School District in Long Island, New York, finding that the district violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The violation stemmed from the district’s decision to change its traditional “Thunderbirds” mascot to “T-Birds,” a move made solely because of its Native American origins.
This investigation follows OCR’s earlier determination in May 2025 that a New York State Education Department and Board of Regents regulation banning Native American imagery was itself in violation of Title VI. The regulation had prohibited mascots and logos based on Native American race and national origin but allowed those derived from other groups, such as “Dutchmen” and “Huguenots.” OCR found this policy unlawfully created classifications based on race and national origin within education policy.
In September 2025, the Connetquot Central School District Board affirmed compliance with the state regulation by agreeing to change its team name from “Thunderbirds” to “T-Birds.” OCR concluded that by making this change to comply with what it called a discriminatory rule, the district engaged in discrimination based on race and national origin.
“Today, we found Connetquot Central School District in violation of Title VI for erasing its Native American heritage to comply with a discriminatory New York state regulation. We will not allow ideologues to decide that some mascots based on national origin are acceptable while others are banned. Equal treatment under the law is non-negotiable,” said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey. “We expect the District to do the right thing and comply with our resolution agreement to voluntarily resolve its civil rights violation and restore the Thunderbirds’ rightful name. The Trump Administration will not relent in ensuring that every community is treated equally under the law.”
OCR has proposed a Resolution Agreement requiring Connetquot Central School District to reverse its actions by readopting the name “Thunderbirds” for its sports teams, including all associated logos and mascots.
The OCR began investigating after receiving a complaint in July 2025 alleging different treatment of Native American mascots based on race, color, or national origin.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Massapequa High School in Long Island in May 2025 to announce OCR’s findings against the Board regarding bans on Native American mascots at schools across New York State.
Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in education programs or activities receiving federal funds.
