New York education officials issue guidance about Indigenous team names

New York state education officials have released new guidance about recently enacted regulations that prohibit public schools from using Indigenous team names, logos or mascots.

"Although rebranding might not be easy for communities, the harm that the continued use of team names, mascots, or logos connected to Indigenous peoples has on Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, including students, is well established," the guidance, published Thursday by the New York State Education Department, says.

The New York State Board of Regents unanimously approved the ban in April, and the regulations went into effect on May 3.

The guidance, which includes background information and addresses frequently asked questions, emphasizes that the responsibility for compliance is on local school boards, which must commit to the process in a resolution by the end of June and remove prohibited elements by the end of June 2025.

If a district does not comply, individuals can contact the state education department, submit an appeal to the commissioner, or petition to remove school officers, the guidance says. The education department can take action against districts that refuse to make necessary changes, including by removing school officers or withholding state aid, which the guidance describes as "a last resort."

The department's guidance says that mascots, logos and team names that include "any connection" to Indigenous peoples are prohibited. That includes symbols such as feathers, spears, tomahawks and Indigenous clothing.

The education department specifies that trophies and other legacy items do not need to be changed or removed, although it encourages schools to "contextualize them." However, school employees will be banned from wearing clothing with an Indigenous mascot, logo, or team name that has been retired from any New York school.