A New York school district is being sued over its decision to replace its Native American mascot with one inspired by ancient Greek warriors — a move one activist now calls racially and culturally insensitive.

William King Moss III, the Suffolk County NAACP leader, filed a lawsuit against the Brentwood Union Free School District, calling the new Spartan mascot a harmful representation of oppression. He says the figure sends the wrong message to students and that the school board failed to choose a neutral alternative.

Brentwood made the switch after New York state ordered districts to eliminate mascots based on Native American imagery. The Spartan name was selected after a district-wide vote in spring 2024 and was approved by the board in the fall.

Moss contends the Spartans were known for enslaving others and excluding women from the military, which he argues makes the mascot a symbol of exclusion. He also objects to the voting process, saying it should have required a majority rather than just a plurality.

His lawsuit adds to a history of complaints filed against the district. Previous cases, including one employment-related lawsuit, were dismissed. Moss is now acting as his own attorney in the new filing.

A Greek pastor in the area, speaking to the press, pointed out that Spartans primarily enslaved fellow Greeks and that women in their society held more rights than most women elsewhere at the time. He said the idea that Spartans reflect white supremacy is historically inaccurate and unfair.

The rebranding process, which is expected to cost Brentwood over $400,000, is not yet complete. District officials say the Spartans name is not yet visible on school gear or facilities, but that will change next school year depending on the outcome of the lawsuit.