Having misplaced their authorized battle in each state and federal courts, the Massapequa Faculty Board appealed on to President Donald Trump for assist.
On social media, he answered their name, voicing help for his or her battle to maintain the “Chiefs” mascot, turning an area faculty dispute right into a nationwide political flashpoint.
In 2023, the New York State Board of Regents voted to ban Native American mascots, logos, and imagery in public colleges. It’s set to take impact on June 30. The state Training Division stated they “were compelled to act because certain Native American names and images have been shown to perpetuate negative stereotypes that are demonstrably harmful to children.”
13 Lengthy Island faculty districts have been affected — 9 have already complied. Massapequa is among the maintain outs. They sued in state and federal court docket to maintain their identify and mascot however they misplaced. Now they’re hoping Trump can assist.
In a message on Reality Social, Trump referred to as the Native American mascot ban “ridiculous” and an “affront to our great Indian population.” He said his help for the Massapequa Chiefs.
“Once a Chief, always a Chief,” stated lifelong resident Kathy Annar, echoing a motto that’s outlined the varsity’s identification for many years.
“I understand it’s tradition,” stated Jeanine Denave of Massapequa. “But I’ve heard that the mascot is degrading to Native Americans. I can see both sides.”
The college board responded with enthusiasm, releasing a press release that learn partially, “We are honored that President Trump has recognized our efforts and brought national attention to our cause. His support is a powerful affirmation of what we’re fighting for,” to protect “our community’s identity, traditions, First Amendment rights, and value in honoring Native Americans.”
However the New York State Training Division swiftly pushed again saying “If members of the Massapequa Board of Education are genuinely interested in honoring and respecting Long Island’s Native American past, they should talk to the Indigenous people who remain on Long Island.”
A type of voices is Adam Drexler — a Massapequa native, former Massapequa Chiefs hockey participant, and a member of the Chickasaw Nation.
“Running people onto the field wearing a headdress, is honoring them how?” Drexler requested, referring to the headdresses that some college students put on at video games and pep rallies.
“I don’t think this has to do with Native American culture and respect,” he added. “It’s about power, politics, and being able to say and do what you want.”
Some residents welcomed Trump’s involvement, like Mary Denaro, who stated “I’m concerned about Massapequa, and I think we should keep the term. The term chief is honorific — it shows positive things.”
Others had been shocked he stepped into the fray.
“I feel President Trump has much more necessary issues to do than weigh in on Massapequa,” stated native resident Phil Ratner.
The state does allow colleges to make use of Native American names and mascots if permitted by native tribal leaders. NBC New York reached out to the Shinnecock Nation for remark, however didn’t obtain a response.
The battle over the Chiefs identify might come all the way down to economics. The board president has stated it might price greater than $1 million to rebrand the varsity if the identify and mascot are modified.
