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Blakeman Slams Mamdani's Gifted Program Phase-Out Plan

1/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Bruce Blakeman, Republican gubernatorial candidate, criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan to phase out New York City's Gifted and Talented program.
He argued that achievement should be colorblind.
Blakeman linked Governor Kathy Hochul to Mamdani's policy and called for merit-based access.
Zohran Mamdani aims to eliminate the high-performing program for kindergartners.
State Senator Steven Chan pledged to defend G&T programs.

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Story summary

Bruce Blakeman, Republican gubernatorial candidate, criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan to phase out New York City's Gifted and Talented program.
He argued that achievement should be colorblind.
Blakeman linked Governor Kathy Hochul to Mamdani's policy and called for merit-based access.
Zohran Mamdani aims to eliminate the high-performing program for kindergartners.
State Senator Steven Chan pledged to defend G&T programs.