MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. — The U.S. Department of Education has announced plans for an investigation into potential discrimination by New York education officials, following allegations of threatening to cut funds from a Long Island school district unless it retires its Native American-themed logo.
The investigation is initiated by the department’s civil rights division, based on a complaint lodged by the Native American Guardian’s Association, a nonprofit group that advocates for the use of Native American imagery and themes in sports and mainstream culture. The association contends that the funding threat violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
This development comes on the heels of remarks by President Donald Trump, who recently joined the debate concerning the Massapequa school district’s use of the “Chief” logo, a long-standing symbol for the district. Trump criticized efforts to change the logo as “ridiculous” and disrespectful to Native American heritage, and indicated that he has instructed his education secretary to support the community in this dispute.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated, “The U.S. Department of Education will not permit New York to rewrite history by stripping Massapequa of its right to celebrate its heritage.” She accused New York officials of focusing efforts on erasing Native American culture while ignoring mascots related to other groups, citing examples like the Vikings, Fighting Irish, and Cowboys.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the New York State Education Department, JP O’Hare, mentioned the state had yet to receive any official communication about an investigation. O’Hare criticized the federal department’s involvement in state-level legislation regarding school mascots, contradicting Secretary McMahon’s earlier commitment to state autonomy in educational matters.
O’Hare further noted that the Massapequa school district had previously filed a lawsuit on the matter, which did not succeed, and he encouraged the district to engage with local Indigenous groups for guidance. He also cited a New York State Board of Regents decision from April 2023 aimed at phasing out Indigenous names and mascots in schools as they are harmful and perpetuate negative stereotypes.
The Native American Guardian’s Association emphasized the cultural importance and civil rights significance of maintaining Native American themes in educational settings, as stated by their vice president, Frank Blackcloud.
Massapequa Board of Education President Kerry Wachter expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for its support in retaining the “Chiefs” name, reflecting the community’s historical pride.
However, Harry Wallace, chief of the Unkechaug Indian Nation of Long Island, called it ironic for a town with a past of violence against Indigenous people to venerate an inauthentic representation of them.
This investigation is expected to rigorously examine the issue, balancing the preservation of cultural dignity with compliance to modern stereotypes’ perceptions and impacts.