Overview

• Massapequa School District has faced a multi-year battle against New York State's 2023 ban on Native American mascots, citing constitutional and cultural concerns.
• A federal judge recently dismissed lawsuits from Massapequa and three other districts challenging the ban as unconstitutional.
• President Trump publicly supported Massapequa's efforts, calling the ban 'ridiculous' and an 'affront' to Native Americans in a Truth Social post on April 21, 2025.
• Trump has urged Education Secretary Linda McMahon to intervene, signaling potential federal involvement in the dispute.
• State officials have warned non-compliant districts of severe consequences, including loss of funding or removal of school board members, as the compliance deadline approaches.