NYC Reverses Closure of Community Action School Amid Racist Comments Controversy

The decision by New York City Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels to keep the Community Action School (CAS) open follows a significant controversy involving Hunter College professor Allyson Friedman. During a District 3 Community Education Council meeting on February 10, 2026, Friedman was caught on a hot mic making derogatory remarks about a Black eighth-grade student who was expressing concerns about the school's potential closure. Her comments included, “They’re too dumb to know they’re in a bad school,” and a misattributed quote regarding systemic racism, which drew widespread condemnation.

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Initially, the city planned to phase out CAS due to its low enrollment of approximately 170 students and below-average standardized test scores. However, following the backlash from Friedman’s comments, which gained national attention, Samuels announced on March 3, 2026, that the school would remain open. In his letter to parents, he emphasized the need for the CAS community to “process and recover” from the incident and highlighted the community's desire for stability and support.

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Samuels stated, “What the CAS community needs right now is meaningful and comprehensive support — and that would be difficult to provide authentically in the context of a phase-out proposal.” He visited the school to engage with students and staff, which influenced the decision to reverse the closure plan. The New York City Department of Education reiterated its commitment to supporting students and families, focusing on healing and ensuring a safe environment.

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Despite the reversal, the incident has sparked discussions about systemic racism and the treatment of minority students in public schools. Critics have pointed out that the initial closure proposal reflected broader issues within the education system, particularly regarding schools serving predominantly Black and Latino students from low-income backgrounds. Parents and educators have defended CAS, arguing that it provides essential support and programming for its students.

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While the decision to keep CAS open has been welcomed by many, there are still concerns regarding the future of other schools in District 3. Two additional closure proposals remain under consideration, including one for the Manhattan School for Children, which shares a building with CAS. The outcomes of these proposals have not been clarified in the recent communications from the Department of Education.

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• “They’re too dumb to know they’re in a bad school,” — Allyson Friedman, Hunter College Professor

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• “What the CAS community needs right now is meaningful and comprehensive support — and that would be difficult to provide authentically in the context of a phase-out proposal.” — Kamar Samuels, NYC Schools Chancellor

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• “As the community continues to process the harm caused by recent racist comments at a Community Education Council meeting, our focus must be on healing, stability, and ensuring students feel safe and supported. We will continue working closely with District 3 to provide the resources and engagement this community deserves.” — NYC Department of Education Statement

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This incident highlights the complexities surrounding educational policies and the need for sensitivity in discussions about race and equity within schools. The reversal of the closure plan for CAS marks a pivotal moment in addressing these issues within the New York City education system.

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