Wyandanch selects 'Wolves' logo after state's ban of Native American mascots

The Wyandanch community has selected a new school logo, one of the district's final steps of rebranding to its new Wolves nickname under the state's ban of Native American mascots.

The district held an online survey this month, where community members had the opportunity to vote on two final designs. The winning logo received 52% of 676 total votes, according to schools Superintendent Erik Wright.

"I would like to thank the community for participating in the selection process," he said in a statement to Newsday on Friday. "We have made history! Let's wear the name proudly. We are 'The Wyandanch Wolves'!"

The winning logo, which features a portrait view of a green-and-white wolf in front of a larger "W," is expected to be presented to the school board for formal adoption at their next meeting on Aug. 20, officials said. The losing logo had a profile view of a mostly green wolf with a "W" in the background along with the town's name written in front. The district is aiming to transition to the new logo starting in September.

Wright announced the name in June, which replaced the district's long held nickname of "Warriors."

Wright said at the time that, "we believe [Wolves] will serve as a symbol of strength, unity and pride for current and future generations of Wyandanch students."

The school district is the latest to comply with the state's ban on Native American mascots and other imagery in public schools.

In 2023, the state Board of Regents banned the use of Native American mascots, team names and logos in public schools. The mandate affected 13 districts on Long Island, most of which have taken steps to retire their mascots and names.

The district replaced its old mascot, which portrayed a Native American in a headdress, but had sought in federal court to keep its name. The Wantagh, Connetquot and Massapequa districts also challenged the mandate, Newsday has reported.

In March, a federal judge ruled against the districts, but the Wantagh, Wyandanch and Connetquot districts filed appeals. The state has granted deadline extensions to the Wantagh and Connetquot districts.

The Massapequa district has filed an amended complaint to keep their team name, the Chiefs. The district last month asked President Donald Trump, who has expressed public support for the district's ongoing fight against the regulation, to consider issuing an executive order that would prohibit public entities from restricting the use of Native American mascots, names and other imagery by schools, teams or organizations, Newsday previously reported.