Story perspectives

NAGA Appeals New York's Ban on Indigenous Mascots

1/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Native American Guardian’s Association (NAGA) is appealing New York’s ban on Indigenous mascots, citing the 14th Amendment.
NAGA’s lawsuit was dismissed in November, and the group plans to pursue the case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Chap Petersen, an attorney, called the ban racially discriminatory and said it is the dumbest law.
A federal judge acknowledged constitutional issues with the ban but dismissed NAGA’s claims about owning the mascot.

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Story summary

The Native American Guardian’s Association (NAGA) is appealing New York’s ban on Indigenous mascots, citing the 14th Amendment.
NAGA’s lawsuit was dismissed in November, and the group plans to pursue the case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Chap Petersen, an attorney, called the ban racially discriminatory and said it is the dumbest law.
A federal judge acknowledged constitutional issues with the ban but dismissed NAGA’s claims about owning the mascot.