President Donald Trump expressed his support for the Massapequa school community fighting to keep the "Chiefs" name and logo.

Trump posted on Truth Social Monday, saying, "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'? 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!"

In March, a judge ruled against the Massapequa Union Free School District after it sued to keep the Chiefs name. The name change stems from a statewide ban on Native American imagery and mascots.

A spokesperson for the New York State Education Department said, “Disrespecting entire groups of people is wrong in any context, but especially in our schools, where all students should feel welcome and supported.” The NYSED added that Massapequa stayed silent during the regulatory process and did not reach out to indigenous leaders or engage with Mascot Advisory Committee to determine whether its Native American team name and mascot would be allowed.

The Massapequa School Board released a statement, 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.

AB: A spokesperson for the New York State Education Department said, “Disrespecting entire groups of people is wrong in any context, but especially in our schools, where all students should feel welcome and supported.”

President Donald Trump expressed his support for the Massapequa school community fighting to keep the "Chiefs" name and logo.

Trump posted on Truth Social Monday, saying, "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'? 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!"

In March, a judge ruled against the Massapequa Union Free School District after it sued to keep the Chiefs name. The name change stems from a statewide ban on Native American imagery and mascots.

A spokesperson for the New York State Education Department said, “Disrespecting entire groups of people is wrong in any context, but especially in our schools, where all students should feel welcome and supported.” The NYSED added that Massapequa stayed silent during the regulatory process and did not reach out to indigenous leaders or engage with Mascot Advisory Committee to determine whether its Native American team name and mascot would be allowed.

The Massapequa School Board released a statement, 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.”

A spokesperson for the NYSED released a full statement: "Disrespecting entire groups of people is wrong in any context, but especially in our schools, where all students should feel welcome and supported.

In April 2023, the Board of Regents adopted regulations to end the use of demeaning Indigenous names and mascots in New York’s public schools once and for all. They were compelled to act because certain Native American names and images have been shown to perpetuate negative stereotypes that are demonstrably harmful to children.

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. Instead, Massapequa decided to pursue litigation challenging the State’s regulations. Unsurprisingly, these cases have been dismissed. State and federal courts have upheld the Department’s authority to prohibit these mascots. 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. Our regulations, in fact, specifically permit the continued use of Native American names and mascots if approved by local tribal leaders. As Germain Smith, General Council Secretary of the Shinnecock Indian Nation eloquently stated in support of the Department’s position, “Speaking for myself as a tribal leader and as an Indigenous person, the message that is being sent by [the state regulations] is that we're not a symbol, we're not a mascot, we're not history. We’re real people that are still here and still exist.”