Wantagh School District Gets 1-Year Extension to Change Mascot Name

The district now has until June 30, 2027 to comply with a state mandate barring the use of indigenous names, mascots and logos.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Wantagh School District in New York has been granted a one-year extension by the State Education Department to comply with a state law that prohibits the use of indigenous names, mascots and logos. The district was previously required to make the changes by June 30, 2026, but now has until June 30, 2027 to do so.

Why it matters

The Wantagh School District has been fighting the state mandate, including pursuing legal challenges in state court and federal appeals. The extension gives the district more time to find a solution, but they still face the requirement to change their long-standing 'Warriors' mascot and imagery.

The details

The Wantagh Board of Education announced the extension in a letter to parents, signed by the BOE president, vice president and three trustees. While the district was granted the extra year, the board said they are 'currently pursuing a multi-pronged legal strategy to challenge the mandate.' The district was previously told that keeping the 'Warriors' name while changing the logo would not be permissible under the state's guidance.

  • The district's previous deadline to comply with the state mandate was June 30, 2026.
  • The district now has until June 30, 2027 to make the required changes.

The players

Wantagh School District

A public school district located in Wantagh, New York that is required to change its indigenous-themed mascot and imagery under a state law.

New York State Education Department

The state agency that granted the Wantagh School District a one-year extension to comply with the law prohibiting the use of indigenous names, mascots and logos.

Wantagh Board of Education

The governing body of the Wantagh School District that announced the extension and said the district is pursuing legal challenges to the state mandate.

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What they’re saying

“We continue to monitor national developments, including findings from the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, which may have significant implications for how state mandates such as Part 123 are applied.”

— Wantagh Board of Education (Patch.com)

“We are maintaining a proactive planning process to ensure the district is prepared for any outcome.”

— Wantagh Board of Education (Patch.com)

What’s next

The Wantagh School District will continue to pursue its legal challenges to the state mandate, including a case in state court and a federal appeal. The district must still comply with the requirement to change its indigenous-themed mascot and imagery by the new June 30, 2027 deadline.

The takeaway

The Wantagh School District's fight over its 'Warriors' mascot highlights the broader debate around the use of indigenous names and imagery by schools and sports teams. While the district was granted an extension, it still faces the requirement to make significant changes, which could be costly for the district.