Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist (or perhaps more accurately, a modern-day enthusiast for communism) poised to take the reins as the next mayor of New York City, has ignited controversy with his proposal to eliminate programs for gifted students.
This is a tangible manifestation of the much-debated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies: rather than elevating all students’ abilities, the solution seems to be holding back those who already excel, all in the name of fairness. It appears the mantra for achieving equity is to ensure mediocrity reigns supreme.
The notion that individuals who have the capacity for greater achievements should be stifled to accommodate a so-called collective equity raises eyebrows and questions about the true meaning of educational fairness.
Interestingly, even the typically left-leaning Washington Post has scrutinized Mamdani’s perspective.
FOX News reports:
Washington Post editorial criticizes Mamdani for ‘holding back gifted students in the name of equity’
The Washington Post’s editorial board lambasted New York City mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani on Friday, accusing him of “holding back gifted students in the name of equity” through his intention to phase out the city’s gifted education programs.
“Who could have predicted that Zohran Mamdani (D), the leading candidate for the New York mayoral seat, would spark uproar by proposing to dismantle programs designed for gifted students? Parents of bright children simply wish for educational opportunities that cater to their needs? How shocking,” The Post quips.
The editorial went on to criticize Mamdani and similar educational systems for overlooking the fact that “gifted children require distinct educational approaches, just as children with learning disabilities benefit from tailored educational plans.”
Parents see these gifted programs as essential stepping stones to higher academic institutions. Rather than stripping opportunities away from those who excel, the focus should be on broadening these programs and refining how the city identifies gifted children from historically underserved communities, the article concluded.
Jonathan Turley, a professor at George Washington University, echoed similar concerns in a recent piece for The Hill:
Mamdani’s plan could devastate public education in New York
It seems that Zohran Mamdani has devised a remarkable strategy for leveling the educational landscape. Faced with a staggering number of students performing poorly in math, English, and science, he proposes to eliminate higher-achieving programs altogether. A plan that might appeal to a Soviet-style central planner.
By abolishing gifted and talented programs in primary education, Mamdani aims to boost equity through a dilution of excellence. As some left-wing voices call for dismantling all such programs, concerns mount that New York is merely mimicking trends observed in other blue cities. Meanwhile, his rival, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, has promised to expand these very programs instead.
Even the editors at the Washington Post have taken issue with his approach, labeling it “damaging education in the name of equity.”
Interestingly, Mamdani himself attended an elite private school, yet his policies seem set to trap New York City students in an environment where mediocrity is the standard and excellence is a distant dream.
Mike LaChance has been covering higher education and politics for Legal Insurrection since 2012.
Since 2008 he has contributed work to the Gateway Pundit, Daily Caller, Breitbart, the Center for Security Policy, the Washington Free Beacon, and Ricochet. He has also written for American Lookout, Townhall, and Twitchy.
You can email Mike LaChance here, and read more of Mike LaChance’s articles here.
