A coalition of Native Americans has expressed significant concern regarding a potential change to the Thunderbirds’ team name at a Long Island school, suggesting it could convey a troubling message. They are considering legal action if the name is altered.
Members of the National Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) support the longstanding use of school nicknames and logos, which are now under scrutiny. There has been ongoing debate around the ban on Indigenous-related names in New York schools, amplifying tensions over this issue.
“Following this regulation would not be progress—it’s simply cultural censorship and systematic racism,” NAGA stated in a letter issued shortly before the school year commenced.
Changing a name tied to history, like “Thunderbird,” would suggest misleading narratives about Native American culture, the letter argued. “Thunderbird” is seen as a symbol of strength and legacy, rather than anything diminishing.
On wings and prayers
This dispute gained traction over the summer when the Connetquot School District sought to protect the “Thunderbird” name through legal means. Education Secretary Linda McMahon ruled earlier that the removal of just one ethnic-related mascot could constitute a violation of civil rights, prompting a federal investigation in July.
In a recent statement, McMahon emphasized the importance of retaining Native American mascots, such as the Thunderbirds and the Chief of Massapequa, emphasizing that educators must adhere to civil rights laws regarding mascots linked to national origins.
New York authorities proposed a compromise to shorten the name to “T-birds” in exchange for withdrawing the lawsuit. However, NAGA indicated readiness to take legal action if any agreements were signed.
“Such compromises are disheartening and morally questionable,” the group commented, pointing out that the district’s own legal arguments recognize the Native origins of the Thunderbirds.
It doesn’t fly
Board member Jacquelyn DiLorenzo recently called out her colleagues for what she termed “blatant corruption,” observing inputs from parents and community members during a public meeting. She noted that surveys showed a strong preference—around 60%—for retaining the Thunderbirds name.
She expressed frustration over how consistent the feedback has been: “We keep asking, and we keep getting the same results.” Similarly, recently retired board member Jaclyn Napolitano-Furno has filed her own suit aimed at reinstating the Thunderbirds name, claiming the board is disregarding civil rights findings.
In an impassioned speech, Napolitano-Furno questioned whether board members were dismissing the authority of the President, suggesting they were defying Trump’s administration’s stance on this issue. In light of persistent community pressure, the board has agreed to hold a public discussion about the logo this Thursday.
President Trump has also weighed in, discussing the struggle against state opposition on Brian Kilmeade’s radio show, indicating optimism about a favorable outcome.
