Schools statewide are being told they can no longer use Native American-themed mascots.
The state Education Department sent a memo to all school districts, saying they must stop using those names, logos or imagery, or get express approval to use them by a recognized tribe by the end of this school year.
Failure to abide by the edict could result in withholding school aid, and the removal of school officers.
In the letter, Deputy Commissioner James Baldwin says it was time to require the change, because the mascots are offensive and not consistent with the values the state wants to see in its public schools.
New York joins several other states with the move.