BILL NUMBER: S9243

SPONSOR: WEIK
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act exempting the Amityville union free school district from any law,
rule, or regulation relating to the use of indigenous names, mascots,
and logos

 
PURPOSE:

To permit the Amityville school district to continue using the "Warri-
ors" name logo, and mascot for sports teams and other district purposes.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 exempts the Amityville school district from the limitations of
part 123 of title 8 of the New York codes, rules, and regulations.

Section 2 is the effective date.

 
              

JUSTIFICATION:

A public school district is integral to a community's history, charac-
ter, and local identity. The choice of school district name, mascot, and
logo are an important part of that identity, and should be the preroga-
tive of the local residents. The Amityville school district has chosen
the name, logo and mascot of "Warriors" for their sports teams and other
activities. "Warriors" does not apply exclusively to indigenous people.
Regardless, the State Education Department has issued regulations
prohibiting the use of "Warriors" and other indigenous names and image-
ry, completely disregarding the history and wishes of the residents of
school districts that have chosen to recognize and honor aspects of
Native American culture and history. Since this directive is another
unfunded state mandate, the decision on any change should be made by the
local taxpayers. The Education Department should not be involved in
these local decisions.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to state

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.