Mamdani is the frontrunner in the New York City mayoral race, facing controversies regarding his college application. A hack of Columbia University revealed he identified as both Asian and Black or African American. Mamdani claims this choice stemmed from a need to express his complex identity rather than to manipulate the admissions process. He was ultimately not admitted to Columbia. Mayor Adams criticized Mamdani's actions as an exploitation of racial categories, while experts question the political repercussions of this controversy for Mamdani's campaign.
Mamdani checked a box that he was Asian and also checked the box for Black or African American on his Columbia University application during a time when elite colleges factored in race.
Mamdani states he was born in Africa and identifies as 'an American who was born in Africa,' explaining his application choices represented his complex identity.
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