Trump Administration Probes New York Over Native American Mascot Ban

The U.S. Department of Education has announced an official investigation into New York state’s ban on Native American sports mascots, zeroing in on the controversy at Massapequa School District on Long Island.

The New York Department of Education previously required all public schools to retire mascots and logos inspired by Native American culture or risk losing state funding. The move has drawn fierce resistance from four Long Island school districts, including Massapequa, home of the "Chiefs" mascot. Their lawsuit challenging the ban was dismissed by a federal judge, but the story didn’t end there.

Now, the Trump administration is stepping in, arguing that the state’s decision is erasing Native American heritage instead of honoring it. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated Friday, "The U.S. 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." She also pointed out the inconsistency in allowing mascots like the "Vikings" or "Fighting Irish" while targeting Native American names, promising a thorough investigation.

The probe was triggered by a complaint from the Native American Guardian's Association (NAGA), which contends that forcing Massapequa to drop its Chiefs mascot is a civil rights violation. Frank Blackcloud, NAGA's vice president, declared, "The preservation of Native themes and imagery in New York public schools is not only a matter of cultural dignity but a fundamental civil right for all students."

The Massapequa Board of Education expressed gratitude for the federal intervention, with its president saying, "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."

Donald Trump himself weighed in, calling the forced mascot change "ridiculous" and "an affront to our great Indian population." He rallied for the Chiefs name to remain, drawing a comparison to the Kansas City Chiefs, whose name remains untouched.

The debate rages on, with cultural heritage, civil rights, and educational priorities clashing on the playing field—and in the courtroom. One thing’s for sure: in Massapequa, the mascot issue has become more than just school spirit—it's a national headline.