Long Island town holds ‘Save the Chiefs’ rally in defiance of state ban
The town of Massapequa is rallying together to fight for the preservation of their beloved Chiefs team nickname. President Trump and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon have thrown their support behind the community, joining forces to raise funds for a legal battle against the state’s ban on Native American team names and logos. A festival was held in the high school parking lot to raise money for the cause, with residents showing their unwavering support for the Chiefs.
Tara Tarasi, a proud Massapequa mom, has spearheaded the effort by starting a foundation to finance the legal fight and selling “Save the Chiefs” shirts. She emphasized the importance of the Chiefs’ identity to the community, with the town’s history deeply rooted in Native American heritage. The town’s street names and landmarks all pay homage to this history, making the Chiefs’ name a symbol of pride for residents.
The recent visit of Secretary McMahon to Massapequa High School added fuel to the fire, as she warned the state to drop the ban on Native American team names or face repercussions from the Justice Department. The amended lawsuit filed by Massapequa challenged the discriminatory nature of the ban, arguing that other ethnic team names were not being targeted. In response, the state threatened to broaden the ban to include other offensive team names, potentially affecting neighboring schools like the Seaford Vikings.
The cost of rebranding the district would be a significant financial burden, estimated at around $1 million. School Board President Kerry Wachter expressed frustration at the state’s actions, calling it an unfunded mandate that would unfairly impact struggling districts like Massapequa. The community came together to show their support for the Chiefs, with alumni from as far back as the 1960s joining the rally to preserve the team’s legacy.
The issue struck a chord with many residents, who view the Chiefs’ name as a cherished tradition that has defined the town for decades. President Trump’s endorsement of the Chiefs and the town’s fight against the ban has galvanized the community, with residents rallying behind the cause. Despite the challenges ahead, the town remains determined to uphold the Chiefs’ identity and ensure that their heritage is celebrated and preserved for future generations.
In addition to fighting the ban, efforts are underway to introduce more Native American programming in the school system, allowing students to learn about the town’s origins and deepen their connection to Massapequa’s history. The goal is not just to save the Chiefs’ name, but to enrich the community’s understanding of its heritage and maintain a sense of pride in their identity. For Wachter and others involved in the fight, preserving the Chiefs’ tradition is worth any sacrifice, even if it means risking their positions to uphold their values and protect their community’s legacy.
