Town Keeps School Mascot; Gains Trump’s Backing

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    Adam Drexler, a proud former high school hockey player of the Massapequa Chiefs, acknowledges the problematic nature of his school’s mascot as he becomes more aware of his Indigenous background as a Chickasaw Nation member. The current debate in Massapequa, a town on Long Island, revolves around the appropriateness of Indigenous imagery in American sports. The Trump administration has initiated an investigation to determine if state officials are discriminating against Massapequa by threatening to cut its funding due to the town’s non-compliance with retiring Native American mascots and names.

    According to Drexler, the argument for maintaining a symbol, such as a headdress, that lacks historical significance is dubious. He questions the town’s claim to honor the culture and history of the people it is named after when the imagery used is not relevant. Massapequa, with its predominant white population, prominently displays Native American imagery, such as the Chiefs logo on various public buildings. Additionally, a nearby statue of a Native American in a headdress further highlights the debate surrounding the mascot.

    Recent state mandates aim to remove Native American mascots from schools, a policy in place for over two decades. However, Massapequa is resisting this change, citing First Amendment rights, despite a federal judge dismissing their lawsuit. The school district intends to appeal and is supported by a federal investigation initiated at Trump’s behest. While Trump has shown public support for Massapequa, grassroots activists continue to criticize the use of such mascots.

    Local residents argue that the mascot honors the Massapequa people, who are part of the Lenape tribe, indigenous to the area. However, many point out that the chosen imagery represents Midwestern tribes rather than the Native Americans indigenous to the Northeastern U.S. Student Lucas Rumberg expresses that although the imagery isn’t accurate, it still conveys respect for Native Americans.

    Joseph Pierce from Stony Brook University counters by stating that such imagery reduces Native Americans to stereotypes, dehumanizing them and failing to recognize them as distinct peoples. Advocacy from Native American groups highlights how such representations contribute to the erasure of living indigenous communities and their current challenges. John Kane, of the Mohawk tribe, further emphasizes Massapequa’s violent colonial history, arguing that claims of honoring Native American history are absurd when rooted in such symbols and imagery. Kane and others stress the need for accuracy and respectful representation.