(The Center Square) — The U.S. Department of Education is investigating a New York school district it claims is trying to “erase” its Native American mascot and imagery to comply with a state rule that violates federal civil rights laws. 

The department said its Office for Civil Rights is probing whether the Connetquot Central School District is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act for trying to do away with its Native American mascot and imagery, the Thunderbirds. The investigation stems from a complaint originally filed by the Native American Guardians Association, the federal agency said.