School Rebrands to Steer Clear of Controversy

A public school in Manhattan, commonly referred to as “ICE,” has informally changed its name this year. This shift aims to distance itself from associations with the controversial practices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the Trump presidency.

The Institute for Collaborative Education now chooses to identify as “Ny.ICE.” This new name choice carries weight, as noted by the principal in a letter aimed at parents.

“Moving forward, to alleviate any confusion or avoid unnecessary emotional reactions to our school’s acronym, we will communicate about our community as Ny.ICE or the Institute for Collaborative Education,” Principal Peter Karp expressed in his letter to students and parents earlier this year.

He emphasized, “Founded in 1993, we believe this adaptation is a suitable and respectful answer to the current issues facing our city and nation.” Karp also stated, “I hope you’ll support me in this. This decision hasn’t been made lightly.”

The city’s Department of Education clarified that this Gramercy Park school, which accommodates grades 6 through 12, hasn’t officially altered its name.

Opinions among parents dropping off their kids appeared mixed. Parent David Sater, 41, commented outside the school: “Honestly, what else can we expect from our kids?” He highlighted that a sudden rebranding, especially with ties to a federal agency viewed unfavorably by many New Yorkers, naturally prompts reconsideration.

Another parent, Veronica, aged 40, acknowledged the rationale behind the rebranding but felt the existing name should persist. She expressed concerns that her seventh-grade daughter might draw attention while wearing school apparel in public, saying, “If my daughter wears it on the street, people might get upset and ask why she’s in a shirt with ICE on it. So I see both sides to this.”

The Department of Education did not provide immediate comments when contacted on Friday morning.