LIBERTY — Liberty Central School District is taking the next step forward in changing their mascot. 

The State of New York recently mandated that all state-funded educational institutions that display native or indigenous mascots, logos, and imagery must be altered by the end of the 2022-2023 school year or face serious penalties. 

The Liberty Central School District announced on January 19 that residents of the district can participate in a mascot renaming survey, which is available until February 17. 

Those who wish to give their response are welcome to reply to the questions at www.tinyurl.com/LCSDmascotsurvey.

In addition to the survey, the district will be holding a public forum on February 7 at 6 p.m. in the High School Auditorium. Faculty, staff, students, and members of the public are invited to ask questions, give suggestions, and learn more about the future new face of the district.

Paper copies of the survey also will be available at the meeting.

Those interested in serving on a  renaming committee are invited to attend the forum. This committee would be tasked with reviewing surveys and narrowing down options for the public to select from. 

If unable to attend the forum, residents of the district are encouraged to send their name, contact information (email and phone number), and connections to Liberty Central School District to questions@libertyk12.org. with “Mascot Committee” in the subject line. To leave a voice message instead, call (845) 292-5400 ext. 2055 with the same information.

Why the change?

The reason in changing Liberty’s nearly 75 year old “Indians” mascot comes from the New York State Education Department (SED) recent mandate.

The SED’s mandate stems from the recent State Supreme Court ruling that determined that schools using native and indigenous imagery are in violation of the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA).

As the Democrat previously reported, failure to adhere to the mandate would result in loss of State aid and school officers.

It is yet undetermined exactly how much money this change in mascots, imagery, and titles will cost the district.

“We here at Liberty have been ‘The Indians’ for nearly 75 years,” said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Patrick Sullivan, in a statement on December 14. “Many of our students, staff and alumni are proud to be the Liberty Indians. And while we do take pride in the accomplishments we have had as Indians, it is now time to find a different mascot.”