US education department orders New York school to reverse ‘Thunderbirds’ to ‘T-Birds’ after civil rights law breach
The US Department of Education has ordered Connetquot Central School District in New York to reverse its mascot change from “Thunderbirds” to “T-Birds,” finding the decision violated federal civil rights law. The Office for Civil Rights determined the district discriminated based on race and national origin by complying with a state regulation banning Native American imagery. The department has offered a resolution agreement requiring the district to restore the traditional name and associated logos, ensuring compliance with federal law.
The US Department of Education has ordered Connetquot Central School District in New York to reverse its mascot change from “Thunderbirds” to “T-Birds,” finding the decision violated federal civil rights law. The Office for Civil Rights determined the district discriminated based on race and national origin by complying with a state regulation banning Native American imagery. The department has offered a resolution agreement requiring the district to restore the traditional name and associated logos, ensuring compliance with federal law.
