In April 2023, the New York State Board of Regents mandated that public schools eliminate mascots linked to Indigenous peoples unless they obtain explicit permission from local tribal leaders. This decision follows a notice reinforcing the need for compliance, threatening sanctions for non-compliance. While many districts began changing mascots, others, such as Massapequa, resisted, citing the mascot's historical significance to the community. The conflict intensified with President Trump's public support for the Massapequa Board of Education, complicating the state's efforts toward cultural sensitivity in school branding.
Forcing them to change the name, after all of these years, is ridiculous and, in actuality, an affront to our great Indian population.
Disrespecting entire groups of people is wrong in any context, but especially in our schools, where all students should feel welcome and supported.
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