They present their combating spirit.
Two Lengthy Island communities embraced the Native American-themed workforce names and histories of their colleges, regardless of a awakened mandate – and residents say it is ridiculous that following the custom may imply dropping authorities assist.
The Chiefs of Massapequa and the Wantagh Warriors haven’t any plans to alter their names or photos by a government-mandated deadline in June, as native residents in Nassau County villages defiantly put on gear and refuse to bow to what they name a tone-deaf try to “repeal of tradition”.
“It is nearly erasing historical past … that is the issue with the tradition of cancellation,” Matt Susko, president of the Wantagh Museum and Wantagh Preservation Society, informed The Submit. “I can not imagine he is truly coming to our hometown and strolling into school rooms. How do you clarify that to an 8- or 9-year-old?’
The 2 cities with Native American names combating tooth and nail in opposition to the upcoming ban in courtroom are amongst 13 faculty districts compelled to alter their conventional names after monetary threats from the New York State Board of Regents in April 2023.
Proud Lengthy Islanders discover nothing offensive in regards to the names and pictures and say they’re honoring an epic legacy distinctive to their shores.
Al Iaquinta, ex UFC star turned real estate agent in Wantaghmentioned it was “maddening” to consider leaving the army path at his alma mater.
“It does not make sense,” Iaquinta, a former multi-sport athlete at Wantagh Excessive College, informed The Submit.
“That is what’s so cool about Lengthy Island — that it has that historical past.”
Susko, 46, mentioned the Wantagh emblem exhibits Chief Wantagh, a Sachem chief who settled the area within the mid-1600s. He reiterated that the mascot’s face is traditionally correct.
“It is equivalent to the precise portrait we’ve got within the museum … to say it is offensive is wrong,” mentioned Susko, who graduated from Wantagh Excessive in 1996. and proudly sports activities a Warriors tattoo.
State Senator Stephen Rhoads can also be adamant about preserving Wantagh’s heritage in his district. This month, he launched two payments to exempt Wantagh colleges from the ban and assist defend different districts that do not comply.
“It is a part of who we’re, and it is a celebration of our heritage,” mentioned Rhoades, a Wantagh graduate.
He known as it “shameful” that the state training division “simply needs to eradicate” indigenous heritage as an alternative of utilizing it as a educating second.
In Suffolk County, the Wyandanch and Connetquot faculty districts — additionally named in honor of their Native American roots — are pursuing their very own lawsuits to retain their respective titles of the Warriors and Thunderbirds, abbreviated to the “T-Birds.” Newsday reports.
“As soon as a Chief, At all times a Chief”
Only a few miles east of Wantagh in Massapequa, dad and mom are additionally outraged that the phrase “principal” has come underneath scrutiny. Joe Diso, a 52-year-old father, mentioned it was hypocritical for the time period to be acceptable when used to explain the president of america, the CEO or a high-ranking regulation enforcement or hearth division official.
“Why is the whole lot OK, however not once we use the phrase?” Diesso informed The Submit. The daddy of three mentioned his kids are additionally upset by the double customary.
“They would not wish to be something however chief.”
Over time, the workforce title and emblem of a Native American with a feather hat has at all times been revered, in accordance with Gary Boldinger, a Massapequa Excessive graduate who performed within the Nationwide Soccer League within the Nineteen Eighties and early Nineteen Nineties.
“I’d say 99.9 p.c of the locals are constructive about holding the title,” mentioned Baldinger, a longtime Massapequa faculty board trustee via 2021.
Boldinger, who frolicked with Kansas Metropolis NFL executives, mentioned he was doubly irritated that the state can be coping with “such a trivial matter … with all the issues with the training of youngsters throughout our nation.”
“We’ll maintain combating,” Baldinger mentioned. “It actually represents not solely the varsity and the sports activities workforce, however who we’re. I can not consider another title.”
Diesso identified that the title change can be absurd given the quite a few shut nods to Native American tradition.
Massapequa has a towering statue of a Native American chief 5 minutes from the highschool.
College students additionally paint a important theme mural nearly yearly on a wall adjoining to campus.
After the specter of 2023 Disso mentioned he additionally seen many extra residents sporting Massapequa gear, particularly clothes bearing the phrase “As soon as a Chief, At all times a Chief.”
“This can by no means go away in Massapequa. It doesn’t matter what occurs,” Disso mentioned.
