Lawsuit Targets Islip School District Over Controversial ‘Spartans’ Mascot Linked to Racial Issues

Lawsuit Targets Islip School District Over Controversial ‘Spartans’ Mascot Linked to Racial Issues

A Long Island school district in New York is under legal scrutiny due to its choice of the new mascot, which a father and civil rights advocate claim symbolizes White supremacy.

William King Moss III, who serves as the Islip Town NAACP President and has a history of teaching mathematics at the Brentwood Union Free School District, initiated the lawsuit on March 26. His two children are students in the district.

The complaint argues that designating the “Spartans” as the new mascot is inherently “racially problematic.” Moss believes that the image of the ancient Greek warriors embodies a “symbol of hate” that contradicts state laws meant to combat such symbols.

In January 2024, the district launched an online survey to collect community preferences for a new mascot. After narrowing the choices to six options, it selected the “Spartans” based on popular vote.

Questioning the Selection Process

Moss challenges the legitimacy of the survey’s methodology, asserting that the school district did not engage in a democratic process when finalizing the mascot. The previous mascot, themed after Native Americans, had been banned due to state regulations.

The complaint suggests that the alternative options—”Green Machine,” “Bears,” “Owls,” “Bulldogs,” and “Eagles”—did not represent any identifiable or generally perceived protected class, unlike the Spartans.

According to Moss, the Spartans belong to identifiable groups with historical connections that make them racially charged. The lawsuit states that the designation comprises predominantly White Non-Hispanic individuals, Greeks by national origin, and individuals of Spartan or Greek ethnicity.

A Call for Inclusivity

Moss’s lawsuit urges the Brentwood School District to revisit the selection and conduct an additional vote. During a Board of Education meeting last November, he warned officials that choosing a mascot centered around race would likely result in legal consequences.

In response to the concerns raised by Moss, the school board defended its mascot choice in an email sent in December. They pointed out that the name was already in use by several other school districts in New York and denied that Spartans were tied to any specific ethnic group.

The Symbolism of the Spartans

Moss argues that Spartans historically represent a “symbol of White supremacy.” He highlights the fact that they are traditionally recognized as White warriors who subjugated various groups and enslaved the indigenous Helots.

Moreover, he contends that the logo associated with the Spartans is exclusionary, particularly towards women. He points out that ancient Spartans barred females from military service, further emphasizing the perceived misogyny associated with this choice.

Allegations of Rights Violations

The lawsuit claims that Brentwood Schools breached state and federal due process rights during the mascot selection process. Additionally, it argues that the decision contravenes equal protection clauses by promoting a symbol potentially tied to hatred and male dominance.

Moss demands that the district not only select a new mascot but also cover the costs of legal fees incurred during the litigation process.

The Brentwood School District Responds

The Brentwood School District has refrained from commenting on the ongoing legal proceedings. However, Superintendent Wanda Ortiz-Rivera emphasized that the mascot selection was performed with inclusivity in mind, gathering input from students, staff, and the broader community. The Board of Education ratified this resolution on November 21, 2024.

Changing of the Mascot Due to Regulatory Pressure

The previous mascot, known as “The Indians,” was abandoned following directives from the New York Education Department, which mandated that schools cease using indigenous names, logos, and mascots unless authorized by tribal nations. Those failing to comply with these regulations by the end of the 2024-2025 school year risk losing state funding.

Legal Developments in Mascot Selection Issues

In a related development, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit earlier this week filed by four Long Island school districts that challenged the state mascot ban.

This ongoing controversy highlights the complexities and sensitivities surrounding mascot selection, particularly in a diverse and changing society. As schools strive to foster inclusive environments, the challenges of community representation in naming conventions remain a significant point of discussion.