NY Board of Regents votes to to prohibit Native American mascot use

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The Board of Regents has unanimously voted to prohibit the use of indigenous names, mascots and imagery in all New York public schools, which will affect 11 school districts on Long Island.

All logos and mascots will need to be changed by the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

Schools that do not comply could become ineligible for state aid.

The provision will not apply to any school officer or employee who is a member of a tribal nation and is "utilizing or promoting an Indigenous name, logo, or mascot of such tribal nation."

On Long Island, Brentwood, Manhasset, Sewanhaka in Floral Park, Massapequa and Syosset currently have schools with Native American mascots.

Before the vote, there was already a change.org petition to retire Massapequa High School's mascot.

It can be costly for school districts to make the change.

ALSO READ | Helicopter team helps douse wildfires in New Jersey by dropping water over the flames

What does it take to put out a raging wildfire? It's an acrobatic dance in the skies above the flames to keep the fire contained. Anthony Johnson goes behind the scenes with more on the efforts.

----------

* 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.