NYC schools chief pledges expansion of Black Studies program after Manhattan mom's racist remark

"We need to equip our staff to have courageous conversations focused on shifting attitudes and interrupting prejudice, addressing controversial issues, and coalition-building. We need to provide our parents with the tools to combat racism and the Black Studies curriculum should be expanded throughout the city in more districts and schools."

"This episode has exposed what many in the Black community believe to be ever-present and simmering anti-Blackness in our city. We know that this is not an issue that is localized in District 3, so the Education Department is working on a broader, system-wide plan to address these concerns."

Following racist remarks made by a parent during a District 3 community meeting, NYC Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels committed to implementing new initiatives to address racism in schools. He pledged to launch parent training next month designed to equip families with tools to combat racism and promote courageous conversations about prejudice and controversial issues. Samuels announced plans to expand the city's Black Studies curriculum across more districts and schools. He acknowledged the incident exposed anti-Blackness within the city and indicated the Education Department is developing a system-wide plan to address racism beyond the localized incident, responding to calls from Black parent leaders and elected officials for more decisive action.

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