Trump Admin Investigating New York School Native American Mascot Fight
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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 move comes just days after President Donald Trump weighed in on the dispute surrounding the Massapequa High School's longtime "Chiefs" logo. In a post on Truth Social, Trump called the effort to force a change "ridiculous" and "an affront to our great Indian population." He added that he had directed his education secretary to "fight for the people of Massapequa on this very important issue." The Department of Education's announcement Friday prominently included Trump's statement.
A Big Chief Lewis statue is surrounded by a fence in Massapequa, N.Y., Friday, April 25, 2025.
A Big Chief Lewis statue is surrounded by a fence in Massapequa, N.Y., Friday, April 25, 2025.
Associated Press
What to Know
The Massapequa School District is at the center of a heated controversy over its longtime "Chiefs" mascot after New York state education officials ordered districts to retire Native American-themed logos or risk losing funding. The directive, based on 2023 regulations aimed at ending the use of Indigenous names and imagery in public schools, prompted Massapequa to challenge the mandate in court—a challenge it ultimately lost.
Supporters of the Massapequa Chiefs, including the Native American Guardian's Association, argue that preserving Native-themed mascots honors cultural heritage and is a matter of civil rights, while opponents maintain that such imagery is outdated and disrespectful.
The investigation, initiated by the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, stems from a complaint filed by the Native American Guardian's Association, a nonprofit advocating for the preservation of Native American imagery in sports and public life. The organization argues that 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 Friday but previously defended its position. Spokesperson JP O'Hare pointed to the state Board of Regents' 2023 regulations aimed at ending "demeaning Indigenous names and mascots" in public schools, citing evidence that such imagery perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
What People Are Saying
McMahon accused New York officials of attempting to "erase" Native American history rather than honoring it, "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," she said. "We will investigate this matter fully."
She also stated, "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 said told AP, "Disrespecting entire groups of people is wrong in any context, but especially in our schools, where all students should feel welcome and supported.
He also noted that Massapequa did not engage with Indigenous leaders during the rulemaking process and instead challenged the regulations in court — and lost: "It is ironic that the federal government now seeks to intervene on an issue that is squarely reserved to the States."
Frank Blackcloud, vice president of the Native American Guardian's Association, welcomed the federal 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, thanked the Trump administration for its support in a statement to 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 looms. Under state rules, schools that refuse to comply face the loss of state funding and possible removal of district leadership.
Reporting by the Associated Press contributed to this story.
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