President Donald Trump says Massapequa school district should keep its mascot, team name

President Donald Trump said Monday that the Massapequa school district should be allowed to keep its name and logo.

Trump posted on Truth Social that he has asked U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to intervene in defense of the district, which has been fighting to retain its Chiefs name and logo, after New York State banned Native American mascots and team names in public schools.

"Forcing them to change the name, after all these years, is ridiculous and in, actuality, an affront to our great Indian population," Trump said in the Monday post. "The school board, and virtually everyone in the area, are demanding the name be kept."

The state Board of Regents banned the use of Native American mascots, names and logos in 2023. The ban affected 13 school districts on Long Island, including nine that have complied with taking steps to retire their mascots. Districts that did not comply risked losing state aid.

State Department of Education officials said regulations permit districts to keep mascots if they are approved by local tribal leaders, which was not done in Massapequa. 

"Massapequa stayed silent during the regulatory process. They did not reach out to Indigenous leaders or engage with the Department’s Mascot Advisory Committee to determine whether its Native American team name and mascot would be permissible," state education spokesman JP O'Hare said in a statement. "It is ironic that the federal government now seeks to intervene on an issue that is squarely reserved to the States."

"If members of the Massapequa board of education are genuinely interested in honoring and respecting Long Island’s Native American past, they should talk to the Indigenous people who remain on Long Island," O'Hare said. 

A federal judge dismissed lawsuits last month challenging the mascot ban by four school districts — Massapequa, Connetquot, Wyandanch and Wantagh — seeking to keep their team names and mascots.

Massapequa school board members released a statement Monday night, saying: "The Massapequa community has been working hard to preserve our identity and protect local decision-making. 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."

We’re deeply grateful for the incredible support from our community, and the continued backing of local leaders and NAGA (Native American Guardians Association), who have stood with us throughout this fight to preserve our community’s identity, traditions, First Amendment rights, and value in honoring Native Americans."

Harry Wallace, chief of the Unkechaug Indian Nation, near Mastic, said he was not concerned about the federal government's involvement, calling it an administrative decision independent of state law and decided by the courts.

"What are they going to do, pass a mascot law?" Wallace said. "It’s an offensive, racist position to take. Of course we’re offended, but they will fight as long as they can."

Massapequa residents have said the mascot and name "Chiefs" is not racist and is tied to the heritage of the community. 

"The name Chiefs is synonymous with Massapequa, and there's a lot of pride in this town," said Kevin Shippos, who has coached the Massapequa football team for the past 15 years. "We feel very strongly about keeping the name. It signals leadership. It would be tough to call us anything else."

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has supported Massapequa and other districts in their efforts.

"Thank you, President Trump for supporting our culture, our history, and our identity here in Nassau County with the Massapequa Chiefs, Wantagh Warriors, and others who praise and honor our Native American history," Blakeman said in a statement.

With Darwin Yanes