New York State orders schools to stop using Native American names as mascots

LONG ISLAND (WABC) -- Schools across New York State have been given an ultimatum to stop using Native American names as school mascots, or face losing funding.

Schools on Long Island in Brentwood, Manhasset, Sewanhaka, Massapequa and Syosset have teams with Native American names or images.

The New York State Department of Education says schools must make these changes by the end of the school year or face penalties that could include the loss of school officers and funding.

ALSO READ | Remains of fallen WWII soldier from NYC make journey home 75+ years later

The remains of Lt. John Heffernan Jr., a World War II navigator, are finally returning home more than 75 years later.

There is already a Change.org petition to retire Massapequa High School's mascot.

Two years ago, Shelter Island School voted to retire the name "Indians."

----------

* More Long Island news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.