Education Department Launches Investigation into New York Over Native American Mascot Dispute

Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced Friday that the Department of Education has opened an investigation into New York State’s Education Department and Board of Regents over threats to pull funding from the Massapequa School District for refusing to eliminate its Native American mascot.

The move follows President Trump‘s public support for the district, calling attempts to change the “Massapequa Chiefs” mascot “an affront to our great Indian population.”

The Native American Guardians Association filed a civil rights complaint, prompting the federal probe. McMahon argued New York’s directive unfairly targeted Native American imagery, while other ethnic-themed mascots like the Minnesota Vikings and Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish remain.

New York officials defended their stance, citing efforts to respect Indigenous communities. Native leaders, including Harry Wallace of the Unkechaug Indian Nation, condemned Massapequa’s use of Native imagery as historically insensitive.

The case has reignited national debates over cultural appropriation and state versus federal authority in education.

Sources

• The Hill – MBFC Rating