Brentwood Union Free School District is being sued after switching its mascot to a Spartan — a move one parent claims is offensive, despite wide support for the new imagery.
The lawsuit comes from William King Moss III, a former district employee and leader of the Suffolk County NAACP. Moss says the mascot is harmful to his two daughters and promotes values tied to ancient slavery and exclusion.
The district made the change in 2024 following a state directive banning the use of Native American mascots. Students, faculty and community members voted, with Spartans emerging as the top pick. The school board approved the change unanimously.
Moss now says Spartans represent oppression, despite being from a civilization nearly 3,000 years ago. Critics of the lawsuit argue the claim is exaggerated, especially given the symbolic nature of school mascots.
A Greek Orthodox pastor told reporters the comparison is baseless. While acknowledging the historical realities of Sparta, he said the ancient society cannot be equated with White supremacy. He also noted that Spartan women had more rights than other women of that era.
Moss has a history of clashing with the district. He previously filed discrimination complaints that were dismissed. His current lawsuit claims the mascot violates civil rights laws and the state constitution.
The Brentwood district has declined to comment on the suit but confirmed the selection followed legal requirements. Superintendent Wanda Ortiz-Rivera said the process was inclusive and consistent with state education rules.
The Spartan name is set to become official next school year. For now, the district has paused new sports branding while the legal battle unfolds.
