U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon warned that New York could lose federal funding or face a Justice Department probe over its ban on Native American mascots, according to the Associated Press. Speaking at Massapequa High School, McMahon claimed the ban violates civil rights law by singling out Native American imagery while allowing others.
McMahon demanded the state reverse the policy within 10 days and apologize to Native Americans. State officials called the visit “political theater” and defended the ban as protective of children from harmful stereotypes. Critics noted Massapequa never consulted local tribes and misrepresents Indigenous culture.
The town’s lawsuit against the ban was dismissed earlier this year. While some locals support the mascot, national Native groups say such symbols are offensive and rooted in racism.
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