Last year, New York State Commissioner of Education Richard Mills issued a statement asking all school district superintendents in New York to begin community discussions to persuade the public that using Indian words, names, and images is offensive to those of Indian descent.

Syosset School District listened to the recommendations put forth by Mills and formed a committee of members of both the community and school community to discuss their options regarding the Syosset Braves. "The decision was made by the committee, not the board of education, to recommend a name change from Syosset Braves to Syosset Red Hawks," said Randi Sachs from the Syosset School District.

Since that decision was made, the committee recently decided to reconsider the issue and keep the Braves name since this was a recommendation by Mills and not a mandate. According to Sachs, once Mills mandates this, Syosset will follow suit and change the mascot and become the Syosset Red Hawks. No time line has been given as to when, or if, this issue will be mandated.

"After careful thought and consideration, I have concluded that the use of Native American symbols or depictions as mascots can become a barrier to building a safe and nurturing school community and improving academic achievement for all students," said Richard Mills in a statement. "I asked the superintendents and presidents of school boards to lead their communities to a new understanding of this matter."

Mills stated that he would re-evaluate this matter sometime this year and make a final decision, would affect over 100 school districts in New York State.

Mills made this recommendation based on safety. "Schools must provide a safe and supportive environment that promotes achievement of the standards for all children," he said. "The use of Native American mascots by some schools can make that school environment seem less safe and supportive to some children, and may send an inappropriate message to children about what is or is not respectful behavior toward others. For that reason we must question the use of such mascots. If children and parents in the school community are offended or made to feel diminished by the school mascot, what school leader or board would not want to know that and correct the situation? School mascots are intended to make a statement about what the school values ... Some argue that such mascots honor Native Americans. Most Native American representatives do not share that view."

Mills understands that this is a touchy subject with many and that is his main reason for not mandating this before community discussions took place. "Some call for an immediate and statewide halt to the use of these mascots. That approach is not advisable," said Mills. "People in many communities haven't had an opportunity to talk about this and listen to one another. There are cherished traditions surrounding many of the mascots. There are even significant costs involved: consider mascots on team uniforms and gymnasium floors, to cite obvious examples. In any case, local remedies should be exhausted first. Many communities have engaged the issue and made changes. Many other communities will now do so."

The Syosset Braves tradition continues, at least until Richard Mills decides to mandate the name change and then, if it is mandated, the Syosset Red Hawks will start a new tradition in the community.