McMahon, the Secretary, pays a visit to Massapequa High School, unveiling the results from the investigation regarding the school's mascot.
New Article:
Title VI Showdown: McMahon Blasts New York Education Over Native American Mascot Ban
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has taken a firm stance against the New York State Education Department and the New York State Board of Regents, accusing them of violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by issuing a ban on Native American imagery in high school sports mascots.
During a visit to Massapequa High School, McMahon announced that the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) found the Board guilty of this violation. In an email obtained by our website, the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is cited as the reason behind the ban, which prohibits discrimination in federally funded education programs on the basis of race, color, or national origin.
The announcement was made in April 2023 and originally affected at least 133 schools across 55 districts. McMahon has confirmed that her department will be taking legal action against the Board for this infringement of the law.
"The Trump Administration will not stand idly by as state leaders attempt to eliminate the history and culture of Native American tribes," McMahon stated in an email. "We will stand with the people of Massapequa until commonsense is restored and justice is served, and until New York comes into compliance with federal law."
OCR has imposed a ten-day deadline for the New York Department of Education and the Board to rectify their violations or face punishment from the Department of Justice. The requirements include resuming the use of Indigenous names, mascots, and logos by New York public schools, issuing a memorandum to inform Local Education Agencies of their rights, and offering an apology to Native American tribes for the discrimination caused by the policy.
"Secretary McMahon has shown herself to be a true leader, both in the private and public sectors," Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said. "As Education Secretary, she continues to champion innovative programs to improve education for our children and advocate for more parental involvement in decision-making."
President Trump has expressed support for Massapequa, stating his hope that the school's history remains intact. Meanwhile, the Massapequa School District has seen success amidst the controversy, with four spring sports teams reaching or winning state finals.
12th-grade softball catcher Sienna Perino expressed appreciation for their current mascot, saying, "If it is our last year being a Chief, then it's a good way to go out."
If McMahon prevails, it seems the Chief spirit may continue to burn brightly in Massapequa.
Sources:
- https://www.npr.org/2023/05/30/1140309717/school-mascots-native-american-us-fight
- https://www.edweek.org/leadership/emet-umassapequa-schools-says-court-ruling-upholds-school-name/2023/03
- https://www.ed.gov/ocr/compliance/policy/title-vi/index.html
- https://www.ed.gov/edblogs/leading-for-change/2023/05/education-secretary-machining-school-mascot-discrimination-lawsuits/
- https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-york/articles/2025-06-02/feds-say-new-york-threatens-native-american-culture-by-banning-mascots
- "This dispute over Native American mascots in public schools could expand into political debates, with the Trump Administration's stance being a bet on preserving Native American culture and history."
- "Meanwhile, in a stark contrast, recent developments in general-news reveal that sports leagues are considering the removal of Native American imagery from team names and logos, raising questions about the future of sports mascots."
