NYC School Rebrands to Avoid Association with Federal ICE
The Institute for Collaborative Education (ICE) in Manhattan has announced a rebranding initiative to distance itself from the negative connotations associated with its acronym. In light of the heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, the school will now refer to itself as “Ny.ICE,” a name intended to evoke a more positive association, often pronounced as “nice.”
Principal Peter Karp communicated this decision in a letter to the school community, emphasizing the need for clarity and sensitivity. “Moving forward I will be referring to our school community as Ny.ICE or the Institute for Collaborative Education in official communications to avoid any confusion or unnecessary emotional responses to our school’s acronym,” he wrote. Karp highlighted that while the school was established in 1993, the rebranding reflects a response to the current socio-political climate.
The shift towards Ny.ICE has gained traction since at least the beginning of Trump’s presidency and has been accelerated by his re-election. According to student Mosi Nathan, 16, the term ICE can be triggering for many. “When you hear the word ICE, it can be pretty triggering for some people,” Nathan noted. “So I just say Ny.ICE now.”
The school’s website has begun to feature both names, and merchandise such as mugs and sweatshirts incorporating the new branding are now available. The term “Merchand-ICE” is even being used for promotional items. Parent Alison Riley expressed support for the rebranding, stating that it prioritizes the school’s mission of inclusivity and safety for all students and families. While she acknowledged that the addition of “Ny” might seem clunky, she emphasized that avoiding any association with ICE is crucial for the community.
The Institute for Collaborative Education, which serves students from sixth through twelfth grade, employs a hands-on, project-based learning approach. It is part of a consortium of schools that utilize innovative methods for assessment rather than relying solely on standardized tests.
Students have expressed mixed feelings about the name change, often alternating between the old and new terms. Cheyne Nesbitt, also 16, remarked, “They changed it because with all the immigration issues, it’s just not a good look for our school anymore.” He added that he now refers to the school as Ny.ICE when speaking to those unfamiliar with it.
The rebranding of ICE reflects broader trends in New York City’s public schools, which have become focal points for resistance against federal immigration policies. Following the new administration’s policies, many parents and teachers have taken proactive measures, such as distributing informational cards about undocumented immigrants’ rights and creating encrypted communication channels to alert the community of ICE activity nearby.
No federal immigration agents have entered city public schools this academic year, according to the New York City Department of Education spokesperson Nicole Brownstein. She stated, “We will always advocate for all of our students, no matter their status.” The city has implemented policies to protect students, including not allowing federal officials into school buildings without a judicial warrant.
While the city encourages immigrant students to attend school, it is also facing challenges. Reports indicate that approximately 50,000 migrant students have entered the city’s school system since 2022. However, enrollment has declined at several public schools that have seen an influx of these students.
The rebranding of the Institute for Collaborative Education serves as a poignant reminder of how immigration policies and political climates can directly impact educational environments, prompting necessary adjustments to ensure safety and inclusivity for all students.
