Trump administration investigates New York state banning Native American sports team names
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The U.S. Department of Education launched an investigation into the New York Department of Education (NYDOE) on the mascot of Long Island High School on Friday.
NYDOE banned Native American-inspired logos and mascots for high school sports teams, and the team targeted the Massapequa School District as it continues to use the Chiefs’ mascot’s name.
NYDOE's 2022 mission requires all public schools to retire Native American mascots, otherwise it may lose state funds. Four Long Island school districts, including Massapequa, filed a lawsuit challenging the order, but a federal judge dismissed the case.
Now, the Trump administration is involved.
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“As New York State attempts to rewrite history and deny the right of the town of Massapequa to celebrate its legacy, the U.S. Department of Education will not stick with it,” U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a announcement Friday.
“New York chose to prioritize the removal of Native Americans, a long history and deep connections to the country, but it requires schools to transfer time and resources to something that really matters: educating our students. In the department, there are several mascots that have lost several mascots on the department, referring to the special survey of Native or ethnic groups, namely Vikings, Vikings, Irish, Cowboys and New York State, and we will look at our special survey in a comprehensive way.
Trump opposes sports teams that abandon Native American names
Exterior of Massapequa High School in Massapequa Park, New York, May 23, 2023. (Steve PFOST/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
The investigation's announcement alleges that the Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights (OCR).
Naga claims that the New York board of directors eliminated its chieftain mascot by forcing the Massapaqa School District to violate federal civil rights laws to eliminate its chieftain mascot based on its ties to Native American culture.
“The Native American Guardians Association firmly asserts that the preservation of 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. We call on us to call on federal and state leaders to defend these ongoing expressions of our existence and contributions,” he said.
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“Maintaining a substantial presence in New York State schools is crucial to educational equity, historical truth, and civil rights for all American Indians.”
The Chairman of the Massapequa Education Commission is announced to thank the Trump administration for its participation.
“We thank the Department of Education and the Trump Administration for standing with Massapequa to uphold the chief's name and respect the proud history of our community. We especially thank the Native American Guardians for their support and advocacy.”
“Trying to eliminate Native American images won’t improve learning. They are distracted from our core mission of providing high-quality education based on respect, history, and community values.”
Kansas City Chiefs fan Holden Armenta held the Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers on February 11, 2024 at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)
Trump has previously spoken to support the school's right to maintain its name.
“I agree with the people of Massapequa, Long Island, who are fighting to bring the Massapequa Chiefs logo and keeping aligned on their team and school.” Trump wrote about the Truth Society.
“Forcing them to change their names over the years is ridiculous, and it is actually an insult to our Indian masses. The school board, as well as nearly everyone in the area, has asked for the name to be retained. It has become the identity of the school. It is the identity of the school, using that name, what is the problem with the name of the “chief” name, I haven't seen the secret of Kansas City, it's the secret of Kansas City! McMahon, fighting for the people of Massapequa on this very important issue.”
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