The Massapequa school district is appealing to the PresidentDonald Trumpto issue an executive order aimed at “safeguarding Native American names, images, and symbols” utilized by schools, teams, and groups throughout the nation.
For years, Trump has consistentlyefforts to change the names of sports teams were rejected attempts to rebrand athletic teams were turned down initiatives to alter team names faced resistance campaigns to rename sports franchises were blocked movements to change the identities of sports teams were halted attempts to rechristen sports teams were denied efforts to give sports teams new names were unsuccessful campaigns to rename athletic teams were not approved initiatives to rebrand sports teams were rejected movements to alter the names of sports teams were stoppedthat have connections to Native American background. Most recently, he threatened to prevent theWashington Commanders’relocation back to D.C. unless thethe franchise chose to bring back its former nickname, the ‘Redskins.’
Because of Trump’s strong backing for Native American mascots, team names, and logos, Massapequa High School reached out to the 79-year-old to assist them in keeping their title as the ‘Chiefs’ and their mascot, which shows a Native American wearing a headdress.
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Back in 2023, the state Board of Regents decided that all institutions located in 13 districts should adhere toLong IslandNeed to eliminate logos or nicknames related to Indigenous people by the end of 2025.
As a reply, the Massapequa school district filed a lawsuit against the state — however, a federal judge ruled in favor of New York.
In an official statement, the Board of Education responded to the “misguided” decision to ban the name and mascot, and then requested that Trump pursue legal measures.
“That’s why we are urging President Donald Trump to make a strong, historic move by issuing an Executive Order to safeguard Native American names, images, and symbols in schools and sports teams across the country,” the board stated.
This focuses on maintaining cultural identity and protecting constitutional rights. An Executive Order would represent a significant statement in favor of American tradition — and a victory for Native Americans who seek recognition of their heritage, rather than its erasure.
In accordance with the suggested directive, the Secretary of Education “must examine all federal financial support provided to educational institutions and confirm adherence to this Order.”
If an organization is discovered to be practicing unconstitutional censorship or forced renaming, it may face a review of its funding.
Earlier this year, Trump expressed his disagreement with the Board of Regents’ decision on Truth Social, stating that the name of Massapequa should not need to be altered. “I support the residents of Massapequa, Long Island, who are strongly opposing any change to the Massapequa Chiefs logo used by their teams and school,” he wrote.
Making them alter the name, after all these years, is absurd and, in reality, a disrespect to our large Indian community.
The School Board, along with almost everyone in the region, is insisting the name remain. It has become the school’s identity, and what’s wrong with using the name ‘Chief’?
Shifting his focus to theNFL, Trump said: “I don’t anticipate the Kansas City Chiefs changing their name anytime soon! In light of this TRUTH, I am directing my very competent Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to advocate for the people of Massapequa on this significant matter. LONG LIVE THE MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS!”
