NY high school's ‘racist' Native American mascot takes center stage
LONG ISLAND (PIX11) – Massapequa High School is the home of the Chiefs, and the mascot has the attention of President Trump.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon toured the school Friday morning. In remarks after visiting classrooms, she said the Department of Justice would get involved if the state of New York insists on removing the logo.
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Some students presented 'Chief Nation' shirts with the mascot to her and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
They also had one personalized for President Trump.
During a media briefing, she talked about the state education department requiring the logo to be changed by June 30. She calls it a civil rights issue.
'We have Huguenots, the Highlanders, and we have the Scotsman. Why is that not considered racist? I think you have to treat everybody equally. It is a racist environment of you say that this emblem has to be removed,' Secretary McMahon said.
She is asking the state to allow local schools and local parents to make the decision.
'If they don't, we reserve the right to turn this over to the Department of Justice, and that's how serious we are about this,' the secretary added.
Frank Blackcloud with the Native American Guardians Association was also on the tour. He said changing the mascot would be an act of erasure.
'We are not victims. We are warriors. We want to see the historically iconic images. That is what we are. We are iconic,' Blackcloud said.
The Shinnecock Nation on Long Island issued a statement addressed to President Trump.
'We are not your mascots or your pets or your good luck charms, and it is not an honor to be your racist, stereotypical logo. Appropriation is not something to brand for your entertainment. First, acknowledge the treachery of the past/present mistreatment of my people which includes land theft, murder, rape, robbery and war crimes of every description. The dehumanizing of Indigenous people of this land is well known and documented, yet you ignore our suffering and call us ridiculous,' the spokesperson wrote.
Some people said the education secretary was politicizing a school visit, while many others said the mascot was a source of pride.
The secretary says the state will have 10 days to comply, and the federal officials will follow up.
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