Angered Wantagh Historian Looks To Trump For Help Keeping 'Warriors'

—WANTAGH, NY — While a lawsuit challenging the state's ban on any Native American nicknames and mascots in schools was dismissed recently, a longtime Wantagh resident is emphatic in his views.

"It's fact. There is no opinion with this; that's why this shouldn't even be entering a courtroom," said Matt Susco, president of the Wantagh Preservation Society.

The Wantagh School District said it would explore other legal action for the future of the "Warriors."

"Our emblem that Native American head with one or two feathers on it— that's accurate. That's what they looked like," Susco said. "Not even Native Americans could say that offends them."

The lawsuit was also filed by Massapequa School District, which has the "Chiefs" as its nickname. Two Suffolk schools were also part of the dismissed suit.

Wantagh Superintendent John McNamara said of the judge's decision that they are "disappointed by the court’s ruling that requires Wantagh to move away from its longstanding Warrior nickname."

"If someone says they are offended by our emblem, it's bull***t," Susco said. "Even a six-year-old wouldn't understand the argument."

Susco said Wantagh High School with its name and imagery should not have been included in the state's ban from the start.

"Warrior is not a Native American word. It's a perfect example of liberal nonsense, the cancel culture getting involved where they shouldn't be," he said.

While Susco is not happy with the ruling by U.S. Chief Justice Margo Brodie last month, he is also angered by the Wantagh School District for "pussyfooting around." The superintendent had said they are "reviewing the decision and will explore all available options as we move forward."

Susco said Massapequa is the only district that had taken a firm stand on the matter from the start.

"They're actually standing up for it with the community, the school district and all the people together," Susco said. "Why? Because it makes sense."

He argues that school officials in his hometown were not as forthright in their direction and verbiage, citing they were willing to remove the Warriors mascot but hopes to keep the name.

"That is just the most weaking argument I have ever heard in my life," Susco said.

It remains to be seen what Wantagh and Massapequa will do regarding the Native American ban, but there is a push for President Trump to take up this matter.

"I'm trying to get in touch with someone from [President] Trump's cabinet," he said. "We're going to our local politicians, but I want to go to Trump himself."

The Massapequa Board of Education has reached out to Trump’s Department of Education, the New York Post said.

"I want someone from his cabinet to take a look at this issue because it's unconstitutional," Susco said.

However, when pushed about whether it was in fact unconstitutional, Susco clarified.

"Unconstitutional would be a bad word. It's out of line. Our logo isn't a cartoon of an Indian on a horse with a full headdress shooting an arrow at somebody," he said. "This is a picture of a real human being."