Native Americans Oppose Ban on Their Symbols in New York Schools. NAGA Joins Legal Battle

An organization representing Native American tribes has joined the legal conflict over New York's ban on the use of Native American symbols in school names and logos. The ban includes the use of images of Native American warriors, or names such as "Chiefs" or even "Warriors."
The Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) has filed a motion seeking a preliminary injunction against the New York Board of Regents to ban the use of Native American symbolism in school emblems and team names, a move the organization opposes, arguing it potentially violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
In the past few months, many New York schools have begun rebranding their sports teams, which previously used Native American symbols in their logos and names. Some schools, like Massapequa High School, have rebelled and taken the state to court. The school's mascot is the "Chiefs," and its emblem features a feathered Indian. The school's symbolism is based on the Massapequa Indian tribe.
NAGA supported Massapequa High School in its efforts to retain its name and emblem. The organization reached an agreement with the school to retain the name "Chiefs" and - on the school's part - to implement a program of education on Native American history.
NAGA officials say they represent a silent majority of Native Americans who are not offended by team names. They also cite a 2016 study in which 9 out of 10 Native Americans were not offended by the term “Redskins” in sports team names.
In addition to having to get rid of long-standing traditions, rebranding potentially means huge expenses for schools. Massapequa estimated the cost of changing the Chiefs mascot at $1 million, but Connetquot School in Suffolk County would have to spend about $23 million on rebranding.
Ed. JŁ
An organization representing Native American tribes has joined the legal conflict over New York's ban on the use of Native American symbols in school names and logos. The ban includes the use of images of Native American warriors, or names such as "Chiefs" or even "Warriors."
The Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) has filed a motion seeking a preliminary injunction against the New York Board of Regents to ban the use of Native American symbolism in school emblems and team names, a move the organization opposes, arguing it potentially violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
In the past few months, many New York schools have begun rebranding their sports teams, which previously used Native American symbols in their logos and names. Some schools, like Massapequa High School, have rebelled and taken the state to court. The school's mascot is the "Chiefs," and its emblem features a feathered Indian. The school's symbolism is based on the Massapequa Indian tribe.
NAGA supported Massapequa High School in its efforts to retain its name and emblem. The organization reached an agreement with the school to retain the name "Chiefs" and - on the school's part - to implement a program of education on Native American history.
NAGA officials say they represent a silent majority of Native Americans who are not offended by team names. They also cite a 2016 study in which 9 out of 10 Native Americans were not offended by the term “Redskins” in sports team names.
In addition to having to get rid of long-standing traditions, rebranding potentially means huge expenses for schools. Massapequa estimated the cost of changing the Chiefs mascot at $1 million, but Connetquot School in Suffolk County would have to spend about $23 million on rebranding.
Ed. JŁ
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