By Hank Russell
The Massapequa School District received a major supporter in President Donald Trump in their push to keep the Chiefs nickname and logo, in defiance of the state’s mandate to either change the school’s “offensive” moniker or lose state funding.
According to a report from CBS New York, the state’s Board of Regents banned the use of Native American nicknames and mascots in 2023 and ordered the schools to change their names or else they would not receive school funding from the state.
The outlet reports that Massapequa is one of four schools that have not complied with the mandate.
“I agree with the people in Massapequa, Long Island, who are fighting furiously to keep the Massapequa Chiefs logo on their Teams and School,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social page. “Forcing them to change the name, after all of these years, is ridiculous and, in actuality, an affront to our great Indian population.”
“The School Board, and virtually everyone in the area, are demanding the name be kept. It has become the School’s identity and, what could be wrong with using the name, “Chief”?,” Trump continued. “I don’t see the Kansas City Chiefs changing their name anytime soon! By copy of this TRUTH, I am asking my highly capable Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to fight for the people of Massapequa on this very important issue. LONG LIVE THE MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS!”
Massapequa School Board President Kery Wachtler told The New York Post that they have reached out to U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon for assistance in this matter. Changing the name and mascot would cost the school approximately $1 million, according to Wachtler.
“Changing the name doesn’t have any good effect on our kids,” Wachtler told the Post. “This is their identity, this is who they are — they are Chiefs.”
It is not just district residents who support keeping a school’s names and logos. Long Island Life & Politics put out a poll on whether schools should change their mascots. As of press time, an overwhelming 88.06% said mascots are part of a school’s tradition and, therefore, should not be changed, while only 10.45% said such mascots can be deemed offensive and should be changed.
In a statement to LILP, the Massapequa School Board of Education said, “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.”