The U.S. Department of Education announced Friday that it will investigate whether New York state officials engaged in discrimination by threatening to pull funding from a Long Island school district unless it stops using a Native American-themed logo.
Why It Matters
The announcement comes just days after President Donald Trump entered the debate over Massapequa High School’s longtime “Chiefs” logo. Posting on Truth Social, Trump criticized efforts to force a change as “ridiculous” and “an affront to our great Indian population.” He also said he directed his education secretary to “fight for the people of Massapequa on this very important issue.” The Department of Education’s Friday statement prominently included Trump’s comments.
What to Know
The Massapequa School District has found itself at the center of a heated debate after New York education officials ordered all districts to retire Native American-themed logos or risk losing funding. This directive stems from 2023 regulations intended to eliminate Indigenous names and imagery in public schools. Massapequa challenged the mandate in court but ultimately lost.
Supporters of the Massapequa Chiefs, including the Native American Guardian’s Association, argue that keeping Native-themed mascots honors cultural heritage and represents a civil rights issue. Opponents argue that such imagery is outdated and disrespectful.
The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights initiated the investigation following a complaint by the Native American Guardian’s Association, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Native American imagery in sports and public life. The group claims the state’s actions violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
New York’s Department of Education declined to comment to the Associated Press but previously defended its mandate. Spokesperson JP O’Hare cited the 2023 Board of Regents regulations, which aim to end “demeaning Indigenous names and mascots” in schools, referencing evidence that such imagery promotes harmful stereotypes.
In 2021, after his first term as president, Trump criticized Cleveland’s Major League Baseball team for changing its name from the Indians to the Guardians, calling the decision a “disgrace” against Native Americans.
“Can anybody believe that the Cleveland Indians, a storied and cherished baseball franchise since taking the name in 1915, are changing their name to the Guardians? Such a disgrace, and I guarantee that the people who are most angry about it are the many Indians of our Country,” Trump said.
He continued, “Wouldn’t it be an honor to have a team named the Cleveland Indians, and wouldn’t it be disrespectful to rip that name and logo off of those jerseys?”
What People Are Saying
McMahon accused New York officials of trying to “erase” Native American history rather than honoring it. She stated, “It is not lost on the Department that the state has chosen to target Native American imagery while allowing other mascots, such as the Vikings, Fighting Irish, and Cowboys, to remain. We will investigate this matter fully.”
She further added, “The U.S. Department of Education will not stand by as the state of New York attempts to rewrite history and deny the town of Massapequa the right to celebrate its heritage in its schools.”
O’Hare, speaking to AP, said, “Disrespecting entire groups of people is wrong in any context, but especially in our schools, where all students should feel welcome and supported.”
He noted that Massapequa failed to engage Indigenous leaders during the rulemaking process and instead took the issue to court—and lost. “It is ironic that the federal government now seeks to intervene on an issue that is squarely reserved to the States,” he said.
Frank Blackcloud, vice president of the Native American Guardian’s Association, welcomed the investigation, telling AP, “The preservation of Native themes and imagery in New York public schools is not only a matter of cultural dignity but a fundamental civil right for all students.”
Kerry Wachter, president of the Massapequa Board of Education, expressed gratitude toward the Trump administration for its support, telling AP, “We appreciate the administration standing with Massapequa in our effort to preserve the Chiefs name and honor our community’s proud history.”
What Happens Next
The June deadline for complying with the mascot mandate approaches. Under state regulations, districts that refuse to comply risk losing state funding and may face the removal of district leadership.
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Vikas Lalit is an experienced content writer at OTE News, covering business, economy, and international affairs. With a degree in Journalism, he combines analytical thinking with engaging storytelling to deliver well-researched updates. Vikas is passionate about uncovering underreported stories that impact readers.
Outside of work, he enjoys playing chess, following cricket, and writing short stories. His commitment to integrity and in-depth analysis strengthens OTE News’ mission of providing trustworthy journalism.
