U.S. President Donald Trump has given his thoughts after a New York State ban on Native American imagery and the use of a mascots at schools was imposed.
The Amityville School District on Long Island were ordered to change their ‘Warriors’ nickname “under a state Board of Regents mandate to rid every school in New York of Native American logos”, in early April as reported by the New York Post.
However, not everyone was pleased with the ruling – namely, the Massapequa school board, which called on Trump, 78, after reportedly losing a court battle to retain their ‘Chiefs’ nickname, a nod to the area’s Native American ancestry.
"The Massapequa school district sued the state, but a federal judge ruled against the district," according to FOX.
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A Native American chief’s head is emblazoned on the school’s logo, with people taking opposing stances.
"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 posted on Truth Social on Monday (April 21).
“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'?
"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!"
“We just want to live our lives and continue to honor our past, and retain our identity,” Massapequa School Board President Kerry Wachter told The Post before explaining how a rebrand across the town's nine public schools cost near $1m.
“President Trump knows that Massapequa is a great town, that we’re just hardworking people, cops, firemen, teachers, just your everyday patriotic people,” she added. “He’s welcome to see a Chiefs game anytime with a front row seat.”
However, despite the backlash, State Department of Education spokesperson JP O’Hare 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 spokesperson also explained how Native American imagery use must be permitted by indigenous leaders.
American sports teams, Washington Commanders and Cleveland Guardians, recently changed their "Redskins" and "Indians" names.
Topics: Donald Trump
Luke Davies