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The U.S. Department of Education began an investigation into the New York Department of Education (NYDOE) on Friday at the Mascot of Long Island High School.
The NYDOE has banned Native American-inspired logos and mascots for high school sports teams. This has led to the Massapequa School District on Long Island becoming targeted by the continued use of the Chiefs mascot name.
The 2022 mission by Nydoe requires all public schools to either retire from Native American mascots or risk losing state funds. Four Long Island School Districts, including Massapequa, filed lawsuits challenging the order, but a federal judge dismissed the case.
The Trump administration is now involved.
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“The U.S. Department of Education will not hold back as New York state tries to rewrite history and deny the right to celebrate its heritage in schools in the town of Massapequa,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced Friday.
“New York chooses to prioritize Native American erasure, rich history and deep connections with the nation, but it requires schools to divert time and resources from what really matters. It requires students to be educated. The faculty does not have a number of mascots that reference texts or ethnic groups. Completely.”
Trump opposes sports teams who abandon Native American names
The exterior of Masapequa High School, located in Masapequa Park, New York, May 23, 2023. (via Steve Pfost/Newsday RM Getty Images)
The investigation announcement alleges that the Native American Guardian Association (NAGA) filed a complaint with the US Department of Education’s Civil Rights Office (OCR).
Naga argues that the New York State Board of Trustees is violating federal civil rights laws by forcing the Masapequa School District to eliminate the chief’s mascot based on its relationship with Native American culture.
“The Native American Guardian Association argues that preserving native themes and images in New York public schools is not only a matter of cultural dignity, but a fundamental civil right for all students.
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“Making a respectable presence in New York State Schools is essential to education equity, historical truths and civil rights of all American Indians.”
Masapequa School Board Chairman is quoted in an announcement thanking him for his involvement in Trump’s administration.
“We thank the Department of Education and the Trump administration for standing with Masapequa to maintain the chief’s name and respect the proud history of our community. We are particularly grateful to the Native American Guardians Association for their support and advocacy,” Watcher said.
“Efforts to erase Native American images do not advance learning. They distract us from our core mission of providing high quality education based on respect, history and community values.”
Holden Almenta, a Kansas City Chiefs fan, is waiting for the start of the Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers at Allegant Stadium in Las Vegas. (AFP by Timothy A. Clary/Getty Images)
Trump previously spoke out in support of the school’s right to maintain the name.
“I agree with the people of Massapequa on Long Island. Long Island is fighting fiercely to maintain the Massapequa Chiefs logo for teams and schools.” Trump wrote about the true society.
“After all these years, changing their names to them is ridiculous and in fact they are humiliated by our great Indian population. The Board of Education, and virtually everyone in the region, demanding names. It ended up retaining the identity of the school. McMahon, fight for the people of Massapequa on this very important issue.
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