BILL NUMBER: S9244

SPONSOR: WEIK
 
TITLE OF BILL:

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

 
PURPOSE:

To permit the Massapequa school district to continue using the "Chiefs"
name logo, and mascot for sports teams and other district purposes.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 exempts the Massapequa school district from the limitations of
part 123 of title B 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 Massapequa school district, itself an
indigenous name, has chosen to honor the indigenous history of the area
by choosing the name, logo and mascot of "Chiefs" for their sports teams
and other activities. The State Education Department has issued regu-
lations prohibiting the use of indigenous names and imagery, completely
disregarding the history and wishes of the residents of Massapequa and
other school districts that have chosen to recognize and honor aspects
of Native American culture and history. Since this directive from the
Department 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.