Bohemia, Long Island, October 2, 2025
News Summary
The Connetquot Central School District in Bohemia, Long Island, is changing its sports team nickname from ‘Thunderbirds’ to ‘T-Birds’ to comply with a state regulation prohibiting Native American mascots. This decision is part of a new movement in New York aiming to address cultural sensitivities in school sports. Despite community support for the old name, the board voted to proceed with the change, facing criticisms about the adequacy of this adjustment. The district is set to spend around $23 million on this transition.
Connetquot Central School District Changes Team Nickname
The Connetquot Central School District in Bohemia, Long Island, has agreed to change its sports team nickname from “Thunderbirds” to “T-Birds” to comply with a 2023 state regulation prohibiting Native American mascots and names in public schools. This decision comes as part of a broader movement in New York State aimed at addressing the offensive use of Native American imagery in school sports.
The district’s board voted 3-2 in favor of adopting the abbreviated nickname amid community opposition and concerns regarding civil rights. A significant factor in the decision was the dismissal of a lawsuit that the Connetquot district and other Long Island districts filed, which was dismissed in March 2023. Subsequently, the district has agreed to drop its appeal of the court decision.
While the change to “T-Birds” reflects compliance with state regulations, critics argue that this name change does not adequately address cultural issues related to Native American representations. Notably, Native American advocates contend that “Thunderbird” is still tied to Indigenous mythology, and therefore, the new nickname does not fully comply with the intent of the state’s regulations.
The Connetquot school district estimates that it will spend around $23 million to phase out the “Thunderbirds” name by March of the following year, as they have already incurred significant costs related to athletic infrastructure upgrades without the Thunderbirds’ name, totaling $23,620,000.
In contrast to Connetquot’s decision, the nearby Massapequa school district has refused to change its “Chiefs” team name and logo, asserting it will maintain its Indigenous-themed branding, highlighting a growing divide in how local districts are handling the issue of Native American mascots.
This decision has sparked further tension as the U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into the state ban. The investigation raises questions about whether the ban may violate civil rights laws by permitting mascots from some ethnic groups while prohibiting those related to Native American culture.
A local board member expressed disagreement with the settlement, citing community support for the original name, based on surveys showing that 60% favored the Thunderbirds over the T-Birds. Furthermore, a former board member highlighted that the issue extends beyond the name itself, reflecting a broader concern about state overreach in local matters.
Additionally, the Native American Guardians Association, a pro-Trump group, has indicated they would consider legal action against the district if it proceeded with the name change. This debate underscores the tensions between tradition, federal intervention, and evolving cultural sensitivity in public education.
As the Connetquot district prepares for its transformation from the Thunderbirds to the T-Birds, the implications of this decision are likely to resonate beyond just the team name, potentially impacting community relations and prompting further discussions regarding mascot policies across New York State.
FAQ
What is the new sports team nickname for Connetquot Central School District?
The new sports team nickname for Connetquot Central School District is “T-Birds”.
Why did Connetquot Central School District change its team nickname?
The change was made to comply with a 2023 state regulation prohibiting Native American mascots and names in public schools.
How much will it cost to phase out the “Thunderbirds” name?
The Connetquot school district estimates it will spend around $23 million to phase out the “Thunderbirds” name by March of the following year.
What has prompted the investigation by the U.S. Department of Education?
The U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into the state ban, stating it may violate civil rights laws by allowing mascots from some ethnic groups while banning Native American ones.
What percentage of the community supported keeping the “Thunderbirds” name?
Surveys show that 60% of the community favored keeping the Thunderbirds name as opposed to changing to T-Birds.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Old Nickname | Thunderbirds |
| New Nickname | T-Birds |
| Cost to Change | $23 million |
| Community Support for Old Name | 60% |
| State Regulation Compliance Year | 2023 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- New York Post: Corrupt LI School Voting on Native American Logo
- Gulf Live: School Changing Thunderbirds to T-Birds
- SI: Long Island School District Estimates $23M to Remove Thunderbirds Mascot
- Newsday: NYS Mascot Ban Connetquot Settlement
- Wikipedia: Controversial Team Names
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