US education department orders New York school to reverse ‘Thunderbirds’ to ‘T-Birds’ after civil rights law breach

The US Department of Education has ordered Connetquot Central School District in New York to reverse its mascot change from “Thunderbirds” to “T-Birds,” finding the decision violated federal civil rights law. The Office for Civil Rights determined the district discriminated based on race and national origin by complying with a state regulation banning Native American imagery. The department has offered a resolution agreement requiring the district to restore the traditional name and associated logos, ensuring compliance with federal law.