Trump backs Long Island Indigenous mascot, rejects New York mascot ban
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — On Monday, President Donald Trump posted support for Massapequa Union Free School District’s bid to keep its Chiefs mascot. Backing a district that defied New York’s mascot mandate, he rejected the state’s "ridiculous" ban on Indigenous mascots.
Trump on April 21 urged Education Secretary Linda McMahon to throw her weight behind the Chiefs and their Long Island school. He said on Truth Social: “I agree with the people in Massapequa, Long Island, who are fighting furiously to keep the Massapequa Chiefs logo on their Teams and School,” calling the mascot mandate “an affront to our great Indian population.”
In April 2023, New York’s Board of Regents banned all “Indigenous name, logo, or mascot” in public schools unless a local tribe signs off. The regulation defines such mascots as any “name, symbol, or image that depicts or refers to Indigenous persons, tribes, nations, individuals, customs, symbols, or traditions.” Known as Part 123, the rule aims to end stereotypes that research shows harm student well-being.
Massapequa joined three neighboring districts—Wantagh, Connetquot and Wyandanch—in a federal lawsuit in 2023, arguing that the mascot ban violated their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. But U.S. District Judge Margo Brodie of the Eastern District of New York dismissed the suit on March 27. The judge ruled that the districts and board members lacked standing to sue under those constitutional provisions and that the regulations were clear and narrowly focused to protect students.
Trump's post was a response to Massapequa School Board President Kerry Wachter appealing to the New York Post in early April. "Changing the name doesn’t have any good effect on our kids. This is their identity, this is who they are—they are Chiefs," she said. “Perhaps the secretary of education or President Trump might feel that they might have some authority here to step in.”
According to Census data, the indigenous population in Nassau County represents a small percentage of the population. As of July 2024 estimates, 0.7% identified as American Indian or Alaska Native alone out of a population of almost 1.4 million.
After Trump’s post, the board issued a statement saying, “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,” and thanked the Native American Guardians Association for its backing.
New York State Education Department spokesperson J.P. O’Hare noted that the mascot mandate explicitly allows Indigenous imagery approved by local tribes. He also pointed out that Massapequa never sought input from Indigenous leaders or the department’s Mascot Advisory Committee before suing the Board of Regents.
“Disrespecting entire groups of people is wrong in any context, but especially in our schools, where all students should feel welcome and supported," O'Hare said. "It is ironic that the federal government now seeks to intervene on an issue that is squarely reserved to the states."
Indeed, the Massapequa conflict underscores the broader tug-of-war between Trump and New York officials as the state deadline for compliance with the mascot mandate approaches in June. The president's social media post didn't detail a plan for overriding Part 123. Schools that defy the mandate risk a loss of state funding and the potential termination of school officials.
Related video below: Indigenous Mascot Advisory Council's review process