The U.S. Department of Education opened an investigation Friday into allegations of “race-based discrimination” by New York state officials after President Trump spoke out in support of the Massapequa School District’s use of its “Massapequa Chiefs” nickname, The Post has learned.
Federal officials will examine whether the New York State Board of Regents is violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits racial and national origin discrimination by any institution receiving federal funding, by enforcing its ban on Native American-related school mascots and symbols.
“The US 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,” said Education Secretary Linda McMahon.
McMahon continued, “While New York chooses to prioritize erasing Native Americans, their rich history, and their deep connection the state, it is requiring schools to divert time and resources away from what really matters: educating our students.”
She added, “It is not lost on the Department that there are several mascots that refer to indigenous or ethnic groups – the Vikings, Fighting Irish, the Cowboys – and yet New York has specifically singled out Native American heritage. We will investigate this matter fully.”
This probe follows a formal complaint filed by the Native American Guardians Association, an advocacy organization based in North Dakota, with the Department’s Office of Civil Rights. The group claims New York’s policy is illegal under federal law.
The association, which has advocated for professional sports teams and schools retaining Native American names and imagery, argued that New York “is solely targeting Native American groups and images by attempting to eliminate them from athletic contests” and further stated that “[t]he decision to single out Native Americans as a class of people that cannot be represented in public school imagery is per se discriminatory.”
Frank Blackcloud, vice president of the association, said the policy leads to “dwindling expressions or our presence and contributions” to the history of the United States.
New York officials maintain that the rule, enacted in 2023, aims to dismantle harmful stereotypes, and have warned that districts such as Massapequa could lose state funding if they do not comply. The Massapequa school board is currently challenging the mandate in court.
Although a judge ruled against the Massapequa district last month, the federal investigation could ultimately put the state’s own funding at risk if it refuses to reverse course.
President Trump weighed in earlier this week on social media, stating: “I agree with the people in Massapequa, Long Island, who are fighting furiously to keep the Massapequa Chiefs logo on their Teams and School. Forcing them to change the name, after all of these years, is ridiculous and, in actuality, an affront to our great Indian population.”
He added: “It has become the School’s identity and, what could be wrong with using the name, ‘Chief’? I don’t see the Kansas City Chiefs changing their name anytime soon! By copy of this TRUTH, I am asking my highly capable Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to fight for the people of Massapequa on this very important issue. LONG LIVE THE MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS!”
Kerry Watcher, president of the Massapequa Board of Education, applauded the federal government for stepping in to defend the district.
“We thank the Department of Education and the Trump administration for standing with Massapequa in our effort to preserve the Chiefs name and honor our community’s proud history,” Watcher said.
“We’re especially grateful to the Native American Guardians Association for their support and advocacy. Attempts to erase Native American imagery do not advance learning — they distract from our core mission of providing a high-quality education grounded in respect, history, and community values.”
{Matzav.com}