Story perspectives

Federal Officials Demand Return of Controversial School Mascot

1/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights ruled Connetquot Central School District violated civil rights law by renaming its mascot to T-Birds.
Assistant Secretary Kimberly Richey said the change discriminates against other racial groups.
The U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration supports the district’s original name and calls state law an overreach.
Federal officials demand restoration of the original mascot, saying the new name does not resolve the violation.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights ruled Connetquot Central School District violated civil rights law by renaming its mascot to T-Birds.
Assistant Secretary Kimberly Richey said the change discriminates against other racial groups.
The U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration supports the district’s original name and calls state law an overreach.
Federal officials demand restoration of the original mascot, saying the new name does not resolve the violation.