New York has decided to retract its regulations that prohibited Native American logos in public schools, as well as policies that sought to make a secret arrangement with a district in Long Island revealed by the Post.
Critics are now referring to a potential “T-birds” rebranding—a shorter version of what seems to be a previously hidden deal meant to bypass the law. “It’s like some backroom maneuver to get away from the rules,” they suggest.
Jacquelyn DiLorenzo, a board member from Connetquot, criticized her colleagues for this lack of transparency, expressing outrage over what she calls “very corrupt” practices.
Connections with the Thunderbird team name were under threat due to a 2023 statewide ban on Native American-themed logos. Conechoto was suing to maintain its identity but faced a hefty price tag of $23 million linked to the name change. Reports indicate there were quiet negotiations with state officials to find common ground.
The Suffolk district has been in talks to adopt the abbreviated “T-bird” name, which contradicts previous statements from officials that suggested such modifications were also not allowed.
On May 30, New York’s Attorney General Helena Lynch reached out to the legal team at Connetscote with news of an agreement.
Federal education secretary Linda McMahon raised concerns at Massapequa High School, highlighting that targeting one ethnic group for a ban could constitute a civil rights breach.
Before long, district attorneys informed officials that they’d secured a compromise allowing the T-Birds name, provided it didn’t reference Native American imagery.
The Connetquot mascot—a bird decorated in red, black, white, and gold—has sparked ongoing debate.
A proposed settlement received on June 18 made it clear that “T-Birds” was suddenly an “acceptable” term for New York.
Neither the state Department of Education nor Connetquot schools have issued comments about the situation.
Interestingly, arguments in Connetquot’s original lawsuit suggested that “Thunderbirds” and “T-Birds” were closely linked.
DiLorenzo expressed concerns about this inconsistency during a public meeting in July, citing research indicating that 60% of the community wanted to continue the legal fight. She accused other board members of acting out of self-interest.
A state ban might even lead to penalties for board members from schools that don’t comply. “I really think they’re feeling the pressure,” she noted regarding her colleagues.
McMahon has been looking into Connetquot’s situation since July, asserting that protecting team names—including the Chiefs—was crucial.
In a correspondence from the Pro Trump Native American Guardians Association, they warned Connetscoat that removing the logo might misrepresent Native American culture.
I can’t see, I don’t care
An email from Marissol Mallon, Connetquot’s director, indicated a desire to keep discussions about the mascot internal since April.
Mallon mentioned in her email that board members could choose which options to pursue and suggested that electronic communication would suffice for decisions when schools were closed.
Connetquot’s lawyer remarked that they didn’t express any personal opinions through emails involving board discussions.
Jaclyn Napolitano-Furno, who was a longstanding board member until July, criticized the lack of openness in deliberating on such contentious matters.
After some pressure from board members like DiLorenzo and Napolitano-Furno, the board agreed to hold a public forum to discuss the mascot issue. Yet, there have been complaints that avoiding scrutiny from McMahon and dealing secretly with the state essentially undermines established protocols.
