Latest news with #MassapequaSchoolDistrict
CBS News
3 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Education secretary threatens DOJ investigation into Long Island school mascot ban
U.S. education secretary wants New York's Native American mascot ban withdrawn U.S. education secretary wants New York's Native American mascot ban withdrawn U.S. education secretary wants New York's Native American mascot ban withdrawn United States Education Secretary Linda McMahon spoke to the Massapequa School District on Friday as a school mascot ban battle continues. The Trump administration says the ban on Native American school mascots violates a civil rights law, discriminating against Native Americans and schools that want local choice. Education Secretary Linda McMahon wants Native American mascot ban withdrawn President Trump publicly expressed support for 13 districts on Long Island to retain their team names, mascots and logos after the state said it would withhold education funds from schools that haven't made changes by June. That includes the Massapequa High School Chiefs. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is not a First Amendment case. This is a Title VI civil rights case," McMahon said Friday. "I was absolutely asked by the president." McMahon said if the mascot ban is not withdrawn, she will launch an investigation with the Department of Justice. She is giving the state just weeks to comply. "We'd like to really settle this in a very amicable fashion with the resolution, but we're certainly prepared to go deeper if we must," McMahon said. "We don't want the Board of Regents and Governor Hochul dictating," Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said. "We want the state to focus on education, not indoctrination." Members of the Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) flew in from North Dakota to show their support. "I like to consider this MAGA meets NAGA," one NAGA member said. Local tribal leaders voice opposition to use of Native American mascots Local Long Island tribal leaders from Shinnecock and Poospatuck-Unkechaug said they feel hurt by the North Dakota group. "They have no ties to the tribes in New York. Shinnecock does not support this," said Germaine Smith, with Shinnecock Indian Nation. "If you want to learn about the true history of the Native people here, talk to us," said Chief Harry Wallace, of the Unkechaug Indian Nation. A representative for Gov. Kathy Hochul responded, "While Secretary McMahon focuses on WWE-style distractions, Governor Hochul is focused on what matters: fully funding Long Island's public schools."
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump backs Long Island school district fighting to keep ‘Chiefs' mascot
NEW YORK - The Massapequa School District on Long Island is now receiving support from President Donald Trump in its ongoing fight to keep its "Chiefs" mascot, despite a New York State Education Department ban on Native American-inspired names and logos. What we know President Trump posted on Truth Social, calling on the U.S. Secretary of Education to "fight for the people of Massapequa," calling the idea of changing the school's mascot "ridiculous." The controversy stems from a 2022 mandate by the New York State Education Department that all public schools retire Native American mascots or risk losing state funding. Four Long Island school districts, including Massapequa, filed a lawsuit challenging the order, but a federal judge dismissed the case. Now, district leaders are hoping Trump's national spotlight on the issue will help them keep the name. What they're saying The Massapequa School District's "Chiefs" mascot has long been part of the community's identity. Supporters of the name say it is a symbol of tradition and local pride. "It's been embedded in our community and our town for so long," said one resident. "I don't feel it's a disgrace—if anything, we're honoring them," said another. A spokesperson for the New York State Education Department responded to the district's continued pushback, saying, "If members of the Massapequa Board of Ed want to honor and respect Long Island Native American past, they should talk to the Indigenous people who remain on Long Island." Harry Wallace, Chief of the Unkechaug Indian Nation, issued a statement calling such mascots a form of "racist symbolism." Germain Smith, a former Shinnecock tribal councilman, echoed that sentiment in an interview. "We're not a symbol, we're not history. We exist today," said Smith. "And to some Native children, it's hurtful to see those mascots, and you wouldn't understand that necessarily unless you grew up in a Native community." What's next The Massapequa School District released a statement saying they are "honored" to receive recognition from President Trump but are not commenting on what steps they plan to take next.
