Long Island School Keeps Native American Mascot for Another Year

Wantagh district granted extension to fight state ban on Native American imagery in school branding

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Long Island school district, Wantagh, has been granted an extension until June 2027 to keep its 'Warriors' name and Native American-themed mascot, as it continues to fight a state ban on such imagery in school branding. The district says the 'Warrior' identity is deeply woven into the community, and it will continue to advocate for preserving the name while complying with the state mandate.

Why it matters

The battle over Native American mascots and imagery in schools has been a contentious issue, with some arguing they promote harmful stereotypes, while others view them as a celebration of indigenous culture. This extension for Wantagh highlights the ongoing legal and community-based challenges schools face in complying with the state's ban on such mascots.

The details

Wantagh was granted the extension by the New York Education Department, allowing them to keep the 'Warriors' name and mascot through at least June 2027. This is the second extension granted to the district since the state Board of Regents ordered public schools in 2023 to remove Native American mascots, names and logos by 2025. The district says it will continue to advocate for preserving the 'Warrior' identity while also performing 'due diligence' to comply with the state mandate. Other Long Island districts, like Connetquot and Massapequa, have also been fighting the state's ban through legal challenges.

  • The New York Board of Regents ordered public schools to remove Native American mascots, names and logos by 2025.
  • Wantagh was granted an extension until June 2027 to comply with the state ban.

The players

Wantagh School District

A Long Island school district that has been granted an extension to keep its 'Warriors' name and Native American-themed mascot as it continues to fight the state's ban on such imagery.

New York Education Department

The state agency that granted the extension to Wantagh, allowing the district to keep its 'Warriors' name and mascot through at least June 2027 while it continues to advocate against the state's ban.

New York Board of Regents

The state board that ordered public schools in 2023 to remove Native American mascots, names and logos by 2025.

Connetquot School District

Another Long Island school district that has been tangling with the state over complying with the ban on Native American mascots.

Massapequa School District

A Long Island school district that is locked in a legal battle against the state in an effort to preserve its 'Chiefs' name, arguing the mandate oversteps Albany's authority.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We understand how deeply the Warrior identity is woven into the fabric of the Wantagh community — our commitment to preserving the 'Warrior' name remains steadfast — we will continue to advocate for our traditions.”

— Wantagh School Board (Letter to district parents)

“Using people for mascots is wrong.”

— John Kane, Native activist and member of the state's Indigenous Mascot Advisory Council (The New York Post)

“The dumbest law of all time”

— Native American Guardians Association (The New York Post)

What’s next

The Wantagh School District will continue to fight the state's ban on Native American mascots in both state court and through a federal appeal, after a previous lawsuit challenging the ban was dismissed.

The takeaway

The ongoing battle over Native American mascots in schools highlights the complex and divisive nature of the issue, with communities like Wantagh fighting to preserve long-held traditions, while others argue such imagery promotes harmful stereotypes. The outcome of Wantagh's legal challenges could have significant implications for how the state's mandate is enforced across New York.