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Connetquot residents sharply divided over proposed mascot settlement; legal, financial stakes debated
Summary
At a public meeting, dozens of residents and tribal representatives urged the Connetquot Board of Education either to accept a state settlement that would allow the district to use “T‑Birds” imagery or to continue litigation to retain “Thunderbirds.” Speakers debated costs, legal risk and local heritage; the board took no final vote.
The Connetquot Central School District Board of Education heard more than three dozen speakers during a public comment session focused on a proposed settlement with the New York State Education Department over the district’s mascot, a dispute that centers on whether the schools should legally abandon the name “Thunderbirds” and accept a compromise that would permit use of “T‑Birds.”
Supporters of keeping “Thunderbirds” said the name and imagery reflect community tradition; opponents and several Native American speakers said the imagery is harmful and that the district should comply with state policy. District officials and a legal adviser outlined the settlement’s conditions, costs and legal implications and said the board had not yet voted on the agreement.
Why it matters: The settlement under discussion would require the district to withdraw ongoing litigation and accept terms from the state that, according to the district’s explanation to the public, would allow the schools to keep “T‑Birds” imagery but not the formal “Thunderbirds” name. Speakers warned that either choice could prompt further legal actions and affect funding or board governance if the state deems the district noncompliant.
Residents gave sharply contrasting accounts of community preferences and possible consequences. "Thunderbirds is who we are," said Rob Milvagno, a district alumnus and former coach, summarizing one common view on tradition. By contrast, Tianna Murano, who identified herself as Shinnecock and associated with local Native communities, told the board: "This name does cause harm," urging the district to accept the change as a correction and to prioritize respect for Indigenous voices.
District officials presented numbers and legal context during the meeting. Board and staff said a full rebranding away from “Thunderbirds” would cost about $323,000; a narrower change that would keep “T‑Birds” but relinquish “Thunderbirds” was estimated at roughly $86,000. The board previously allocated $50,000 for litigation; staff said about $7,000 of that allocation remained. Board or staff estimates for an appeal and continued litigation included an additional $20,000–$25,000 to file an appeal and a possible further $125,000 for continued litigation if the matter returned to district court.
A district representative summarized the legal posture conveyed to the board: the contested state rule (referred to in public discussion as Part 123) has been challenged in federal court, and the district’s legal team said federal courts have so far upheld the regulation against Title VI challenges. The district also told the public it has an extension from the state: rather than the original June 30, 2025 deadline, Connetquot requested and received an extension to March 2026.
Multiple speakers warned of other consequences if the district declines the settlement. One questioner asked whether rejecting the deal could trigger penalties; a staff response indicated possible loss of funding or, in state enforcement scenarios described to the public, removal of board members.
Representatives of Native communities and speakers calling themselves advocates or tribal members said the district should listen to Indigenous voices rather than prioritize majority sentiment in the community. "The only Native person in this district telling you that Thunderbird does cause harm is telling you now," said Tianna Murano, who also described receiving threats for speaking publicly. Several other speakers identified the Unkechaug and Shinnecock nations and cited outreach from groups with opposing positions: some national groups oppose caricatures and mascots, while at least one national association has told the board it supported fighting to keep the Thunderbird name.
Other speakers emphasized local tradition and community identity. Multiple alumni described generations of family members who identified with the Thunderbird name and questioned why the state was intervening. Some asked whether rebranding costs should be borne by the state rather than local taxpayers.
Board members and district officials repeatedly urged civility and asked residents to submit written comments. Superintendent Joseph Centimore (listed in the meeting roll call) and other administrators answered procedural and budgetary questions and clarified that the settlement, as explained by the state, would only take effect if the district accepted all the terms laid out by the Education Department.
The board did not take a policy vote at the meeting. President Marisol Malin closed the public comment period and the board adjourned after calling for continued written input from residents. Officials asked the public to continue submitting comments to the board while the district evaluates legal and financial options.
The dispute remains active: the district is under at least one federal Office for Civil Rights inquiry that speakers referenced during the meeting, local tribes differ in opinion, and some community members urged the school board to continue litigation while others urged acceptance of the settlement to conserve resources and avoid protracted legal fights.
