Criticism of Brooklyn University for Hosting Political Event

Brooklyn University faced backlash for hosting a political event that critics say promotes party interests. The event, titled “Fight Olgarky,” featured Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont) at the Leonard & Clare Tow Center for the Performing Arts, and was seen as a platform for socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani’s campaign for NYC mayor.

Jeffrey Wiesenfeld, a prominent figure in the area, stated, “This is clearly a political event. Sanders is here to support Mamdani.” He expressed concern that there were no opposing voices at the event, noting that other mayoral candidates such as Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa did not plan to participate.

Jerry Kammarata, a Republican operative and former city school board member, expressed his outrage. “It’s being held at a public university!” he stated emphatically. “This isn’t about public education; it’s undermining it!”

Kammarata further suggested the need for a protest from the Council, advocating for the cancellation of the event to preserve the integrity of public universities and the communities they serve.

Meanwhile, CUNY officials postponed comments regarding Brooklyn College, which is part of the taxpayer-funded City University system. In their statement, the university clarified that the Leonard and Claire Tow Center is available for rental by candidates.

Attempts to reach representatives of Mamdani and Sanders went unanswered. Notably, Mamdani had attended the Labor Day parade in Manhattan the previous Saturday, where he was seen alongside Sanders.