Charter School Supporters Demand Equal Treatment Ahead of Election

A coalition representing over 200 public charter schools in New York City demonstrated on September 18, 2023, by marching across the Brooklyn Bridge. The event, described as a rally for a “child’s right to learn,” drew around 15,000 students, parents, and staff, according to organizers. The demonstration aimed to advocate for what supporters call “equal treatment” and increased funding for charter schools, while critics labeled it as a form of forced advocacy.

The rally was organized by Eva Moskowitz, founder and CEO of Success Academy. Moskowitz mobilized support through webinars and direct communications with families and staff, urging them to participate. Attendees marched from Brooklyn to Printing House Square, just outside New York City Hall, to amplify their message demanding “excellence as a civil right.”

“This rally is about equity, justice and opportunity,” stated Samantha Robin, a parent at Dream Charter School. “Parents deserve the freedom to choose schools that honor their children’s genius, their culture, and their potential.” With the New York City mayoral election on the horizon, the charter school community is increasingly concerned about the political climate, particularly with Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic candidate, openly opposing charter school expansions.

Charter schools, which serve approximately 15% of city students, have seen a decline in enrollment growth since the pandemic, according to research from the New York City Charter School Center. Mamdani has centered his education platform on universal childcare and intends to scrutinize charter school funding if elected.

The rally featured notable figures, including Rafiq Kalam Id-Din, Chair of the Black, Latinx, and Asian Charter Collaborative, and Leslie-Bernard Joseph, CEO of KIPP NYC public schools. Many faculty and families attended, with reports suggesting that staff participation was expected or mandatory.

Concerns about coercion surfaced online, particularly within the r/survivingsuccess group on Reddit, where participants debated the legitimacy of claims regarding compulsory attendance. Documents obtained by Labor New York indicated that some charter schools, such as Zeta Charter Schools, canceled classes for the day, opting instead to engage students in a “school-on-a-bus” civics lesson.

A first-year teacher at Success Academy, Will Doyle, shared his perspective on the rally. “We’re here advocating for charter schools, but I do know that with the mayoral elections coming up, some candidates oppose the expansion of charter schools,” he said. Doyle noted that attendance at such events is part of the job requirements for employees.

An operations associate from Success Academy, who wished to remain anonymous, corroborated concerns about political pressures surrounding the rally. “I think that [charters] definitely would advocate that they need more money and space. But I think the big thing is just accounting for future challenges,” the associate explained.

Reports indicate that staff members felt pressure to participate and feared potential repercussions if they opted out. CUNY law professor David Bloomfield remarked that under nonprofit regulations, charter schools can require employee participation in such events if they are framed as advocating for the schools rather than specific political candidates.

After the rally, state senators John Liu and Shelley Mayer, who chair the Senate’s education committee, called for an investigation into the event. They described it as an “egregious misuse of instructional time and state funds,” emphasizing that public funding for charter schools is intended for education, not political advocacy.

As the mayoral election approaches, the charter school community remains vigilant, framing the rally as a key moment in their ongoing struggle for recognition and funding. The outcome of the election could significantly impact the future of charter schools in New York City, making this rally a pivotal moment in their advocacy efforts.