Education Department investigates New York's mascot funding threat

The U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into whether New York state officials discriminated by threatening to withhold funding from the Massapequa school district unless it retired its Native American-themed 'Chiefs' mascot. The move follows a complaint by the Native American Guardian's Association, which argues that the state's actions violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and that Native-themed mascots honor cultural heritage. This investigation comes after New York implemented regulations in 2023 to eliminate Indigenous names and imagery in public schools, a policy that has led to legal challenges from several districts, including Massapequa. President Donald Trump publicly criticized the state's directive, calling it an affront to Native Americans and urging the Education Department to intervene. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon echoed these sentiments, claiming New York is prioritizing 'erasing Native Americans' over education and pointing out other mascots like the Vikings and Fighting Irish have not been targeted. The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights will determine if the state’s policy constitutes unlawful discrimination.