Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Mascot Change topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board delays final decision on "Braves" nickname pending state advisory guidance; plans community process
Summary
The Syosset board discussed whether to retire the "Braves" nickname and associated imagery after state guidance on Native American mascots; the board agreed to place the item on the March agenda and to develop a public engagement process if action is taken.
The Syosset Central School District Board of Education on Feb. 13 continued a months-long conversation about the district's use of the "Braves" nickname and related imagery, deciding to defer a final vote until after the state's advisory panel issues guidance and placing the matter on the March agenda.
A public commenter, Kenneth Muller Jr., told the board he had experience with indigenous communities and said some indigenous representatives he consulted did not object to the "Braves" name per se but that imagery and caricatures are distinct concerns. Board members said they were awaiting final guidance from the New York State Education Department's advisory process; administration said the department had formed a subcommittee but had not yet issued final advice.
Nut graf: Board members discussed timing for a community engagement process, how to involve current seniors, the budget implications of any changes (noting turf end-zone rebranding could cost roughly $70,000), and whether gift monuments featuring Native imagery could be adapted rather than removed. The board and administration said they plan to solicit broad public input and to narrow options through a smaller committee before seeking a vote.
At the meeting trustees debated whether to postpone work on engagement until the state's advisory panel reports. Some board members urged prompt action to allow current seniors a voice; others preferred waiting for state guidance before launching a process. Administration advised that a two-stage process of collecting many name ideas then narrowing them to a manageable shortlist is customary, and that students historically participated in final votes.
Ending: The board directed staff to place the item on the March agenda; members said they would consider public-engagement formats and cost estimates in coming weeks and prepare for implementation steps if the department finalizes guidance requiring a change.
