A suburb of New York City, Massapequa, is embroiled in controversy over retaining its high school mascot, a Native American man in a headdress, despite a state mandate to retire such imagery. The Trump administration has initiated an investigation into whether New York officials are discriminating against Massapequa by threatening to withhold funding for their non-compliance. Proponents argue that the mascot honors the local Indigenous heritage, while opponents, including Native American activists, view it as a reductive stereotype that ignores historical and ongoing struggles. The issue reflects a broader national debate, with other sports teams like the Kansas City Chiefs facing similar criticisms but maintaining their names. Critics emphasize that such mascots contribute to the dehumanization of Native peoples, obscuring their current challenges and historical grievances, such as the massacre of Native Americans in the area during the 1600s.

Massapequa, a New York City suburb, is resisting a state mandate to retire its Native American school mascot, arguing it honors local Indigenous history and receiving support from the Trump administration, which sees the mandate as discriminatory.

The town, predominantly white, prominently displays Native American imagery, including a statue with a headdress, despite there being no historical record of such attire among local tribes; this imagery is seen as offensive by some, including former students like Adam Drexler.

The controversy has drawn national attention, with Trump criticizing the mandate and supporting the town's right to retain its mascot, paralleling his visits to the area and his broader political alignment with the region's shifting Republican base.

The persistence of the mascot is part of a wider debate over Indigenous representation in sports, with some teams like the Washington Commanders changing their names, while others, such as the Kansas City Chiefs, retain theirs despite protests.

Critics argue that mascots like Massapequa's perpetuate stereotypes, reduce Indigenous peoples to a monolithic type, and gloss over serious issues such as poverty and historical violence, including a massacre in the area in the 1600s.

Supporters of the mascot claim it is a respectful tribute to Native Americans, even as some acknowledge inaccuracies in the representation, while critics emphasize the importance of accurately portraying diverse Indigenous cultures.

The debate underscores a tension between tradition and modern sensibilities, with the local community divided on whether the mascot is a symbol of honor or an outdated stereotype that marginalizes living Native communities.