(The Center Square) – A Native American group is pleased with the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to refer an investigation into New York institutions to the Department of Justice over the use of Native mascots in public education.

The New York Department of Education (NYDE) and the New York State Board of Regents came under fire “for their unlawful attempt to ban mascots and logos that celebrate Native American history,” an investigation that is now referred “to the U.S. Department of Justice for enforcement,” according to an Education Department release.