A nurse at Northwest Elementary School in Amityville, Long Island, has been reassigned after allegedly wearing a jacket with the letters “ICE” emblazoned on the back during a schoolwide “Superhero Day” celebration. The incident sparked swift backlash from parents, teachers, and the wider school community, prompting the Amityville Union Free School District to launch an internal investigation.
The controversial attire reportedly made its appearance on Wednesday, coinciding with a moving-up ceremony for kindergartners and a themed dress-up day encouraging students and staff to portray their favorite superheroes. Instead, many interpreted the nurse’s outfit as a political statement rather than a lighthearted or inspirational tribute.
The acronym “ICE” is widely associated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency that has drawn intense criticism in recent years over its enforcement tactics and role in immigration-related raids. For some families—particularly those from immigrant backgrounds—the letters evoke fear and trauma, not heroism.
“The Amityville Union Free School District is aware of an allegation involving a district staff member who affixed an acronym to their clothing that was perceived by some members of the school community as offensive or inappropriate in the educational setting,” the district said in a statement issued Wednesday. “Upon learning of the situation, the staff member was immediately reassigned to a non-school setting pending a full review.”
School officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining an inclusive environment, stating that their “top priority is to ensure that our schools remain safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for all students and families.”
While the district did not officially confirm the letters on the jacket, Nakia Wolfe, president of the Amityville Teachers’ Association, told Newsday the clothing displayed the word “ICE.” Wolfe confirmed the individual involved is a nurse employed at Northwest Elementary School.
“Why would you come into a setting of learning to make any type of political stance like that?” Wolfe said. “It’s just completely inappropriate.”
The incident also upset other school staff. Northwest Elementary teacher Hilda Brown told Newsday that the nurse’s outfit choice was clearly visible during school hours and notably out of place on a day designed to uplift and inspire students.
Parents picking up their children from school expressed outrage and disbelief. “That’s utterly disgusting. This is the world we’re living in now?” said parent Marquise Gordon, speaking to News 12 Long Island. Another parent, Jackie Sauls, said, “People are already fearful as it is. There’s no right in that.”
The timing of the incident has only intensified emotions. Nationwide, tensions surrounding immigration enforcement have flared in recent weeks. In New York City, an anti-ICE demonstration in Lower Manhattan led to 86 arrests just one day before the Long Island incident. On the island itself, there has been an uptick in reported ICE activity, with arrests in Glen Cove and sightings in towns like Bellport and Riverhead.
According to Glen Cove police, federal agents detained multiple individuals near a train station Wednesday morning. A spokesperson for ICE told News 12 Long Island that its New York City division is “actively investigating immigration crimes throughout the five boroughs, Long Island, and the lower Hudson Valley.”
The nurse’s apparent choice of attire, whether intentional or not, has struck a nerve in a region where immigrant families make up a significant portion of the school population. Critics argue that bringing such a symbol into an elementary school—especially under the guise of celebrating heroism—was both insensitive and potentially harmful to young students.
The district has not announced whether the nurse will face further disciplinary action but confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. For now, the employee remains reassigned away from school grounds.
As the story circulates through news outlets and social media, many are watching how the district chooses to respond—and how schools balance personal expression with the responsibility to foster supportive, inclusive learning environments.