The Trump administration has initiated an investigation into the New York Department of Education (NYDOE) for its ban on Native American mascots, particularly targeting the Massapequa School District's continued use of the 'Chiefs' mascot. The NYDOE's 2022 mandate requires all public schools to retire Native American mascots or risk losing state funding, which led to a lawsuit by four Long Island school districts, including Massapequa, although a federal judge dismissed the case. The U.S. Department of Education, led by Secretary Linda McMahon, argues that the ban specifically targets Native American heritage while other mascots representing ethnic groups remain unaffected. The Native American Guardian's Association (NAGA) has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, claiming the ban violates federal civil rights law and undermines cultural dignity. Trump's support for the Massapequa community and the preservation of Native American imagery has been echoed by local leaders, who argue that such imagery is crucial for maintaining educational equity and historical truth.

The Trump administration has launched an investigation into the NYDOE due to its prohibition of Native American mascots, which specifically affects the Massapequa School District's use of the 'Chiefs' mascot, due to a 2022 mandate threatening state funding withdrawal for non-compliance.

Four Long Island school districts, including Massapequa, filed a lawsuit challenging the NYDOE's mandate on retiring Native American mascots, but a federal judge dismissed the case, prompting further action by the Trump administration.

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon criticized the NYDOE's policy, arguing that it unfairly targets Native American heritage while allowing other ethnic mascots like the Vikings and Fighting Irish to remain, and promises a thorough investigation.

The Native American Guardian's Association (NAGA) has lodged a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, claiming the NYDOE's actions violate federal civil rights laws by forcing the removal of culturally significant mascots.

Frank Blackcloud, vice president of NAGA, argues that preserving Native American imagery in schools is vital for cultural dignity and educational equity, urging federal and state leaders to defend these expressions of Native presence and contributions.

Trump has expressed his support for the Massapequa community's fight to retain the 'Chiefs' mascot, viewing the forced change as an affront to Native Americans, and urging Secretary McMahon to advocate for the community's cultural identity.

Massapequa Board of Education President Kerry Wachter thanked the Trump administration and NAGA for their support, insisting that attempts to erase Native American imagery distract from the educational mission and undermine community values.