Charter School Supporters Rally in NYC Against Mayoral Frontrunner
Thousands of charter school advocates gathered on the Brooklyn Bridge on September 18, 2025, for a rally organized by the Excellence in Education initiative. The event coincided with a competitive mayoral election, where frontrunner Zohran Mamdani has voiced strong opposition to the charter school movement. Organizers emphasized that the timing was coincidental and that the rally was not politically motivated, though the backdrop of the election loomed large.
The rally drew an estimated 15,000 participants from over 200 charter schools, who marched from Cadman Plaza Park toward City Hall. Participants donned purple and yellow shirts emblazoned with the slogan, “Excellence is a civil right.” They chanted phrases such as “Access is Equity,” highlighting their commitment to school choice. The event featured speakers and performers, including rapper Common, who entertained the crowd for nearly three hours.
Bishop Raymond Rivera, founder of Family Life Academy Charter Schools, addressed the crowd, criticizing Mamdani’s stance. Rivera argued, “You cannot be for the affordability agenda and not be for charter schools,” underscoring the importance of quality education for children of color. Mamdani has made affordability central to his campaign, proposing policies like rent freezes and free childcare.
Mamdani’s campaign has focused on the assertion that charter schools “siphon resources away from public education.” His administration plans to audit charter schools, examining state funding and rental agreements. While the mayor does not directly control the number of charter schools, the influence of the mayor’s office can shape public perception and policy toward them.
The rally also drew attention to the 150,500 city students—approximately 15% of public school students—who attend charter schools, according to the New York City Charter School Center. This sector has garnered both support and criticism, especially with endorsements from influential groups like the United Federation of Teachers (UFT). UFT President Michael Mulgrew stated, “Public schools welcome and embrace all children and are determined to help all students thrive.”
The concerns over the future of charter schools were echoed by Eva Moskowitz, CEO of Success Academy, who expressed anxiety regarding funding and bureaucratic constraints. When asked about Mamdani, she remarked, “I’m worried about every elected official,” indicating the broader implications that election outcomes could have on charter operations.
The rally also featured an unexpected appearance by Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee and charter school supporter, despite organizers requesting that political candidates refrain from attending.
While current Mayor Eric Adams has not prioritized charter schools in his education agenda, he has supported them through initiatives like a summer program for charter school students and funding for safety agents. Advocates worry that a Mamdani administration may not share this level of support, particularly after his endorsement from the UFT.
Rafiq Kalam Id-Din, founder of Ember Charter School and chair of the Black, Latinx, Asian Charter Collaborate (BLACC), articulated the sentiment of many in attendance. He stated, “We’re here to send a message to everybody, both current and future elected officials.” His comments reflect a strong desire for elected leaders to recognize the value of charter schools in enhancing educational opportunities.
As the election approaches, the rally illustrates the deep divide between charter school proponents and those advocating for traditional public schools. The outcome will likely shape the future of education policy in New York City, making the stakes particularly high for both sides.
