Charter School Advocates March Across Brooklyn Bridge
In a spirited demonstration, thousands of parents, teachers, and students marched over the Brooklyn Bridge to advocate for 300 charter schools in New York City on Thursday.
The event kicked off with an energetic rally at Kadman Plaza, where the rapper Common—a known supporter of the charter school movement—performed his Oscar-winning song, “Glory.” The crowd passionately chanted “Stop No! Grow your charter!” as they called for an end to the state-imposed caps on charter schools in the city.
The rally was organized by the Charter Schools Coalition, coinciding with the lead-up to New York City’s mayoral elections. Notably, socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani has pledged to oppose efforts to raise the cap on charter schools.
Kamptary Williams, principal at Success Academy Charter School and one of the rally’s leaders, expressed concerns about what she described as “discrimination” against charter schools. She emphasized that these schools, funded by public money but managed by nonprofits, exist in response to parents seeking better educational options for their children.
“We’ve asked for the ban on charter schools to end; it limits opportunities for children,” Williams remarked. “It often feels like our lawmakers aren’t listening to us at all.”
Currently, New York City has 282 charter schools, catering to about 150,000 students—around one-sixth of the total public school enrollment in the city. However, limits imposed by a Democrat-controlled state legislature restrict the establishment of new charter schools.
Many participants wore shirts and bandanas proclaiming “Excellence is a civil right,” while children from Hula Hooptot held colorful signs stating “Let Us Learn.”
Christine Rivera, a parent at Excellence Community School, asserted, “Charter schools deserve the same respect as all other public schools.” She highlighted the importance of education and accommodations for diverse needs, including autism, which charter schools often provide.
Another parent, Christine Anderson Welch, shared her pride in her daughter’s educational journey at KIPP Middle School, remarking, “I know that the school we chose helped her pursue her dreams of becoming an artist and performer.”
She also emphasized unity among parents, stating, “It’s not about pitting parents against each other. We’re here to ensure every child can discover their voice and talents, irrespective of their background.”
Recent reports indicate that students from Success Academy Charter Schools, the largest charter network in the city, achieved test scores nearly double those of their peers in traditional public schools.
“We just want the same opportunities wealthy parents have. Regardless of your zip code, everyone deserves the same choices,” said Eva Moskowitz, founder and CEO of Success Academy Charter Schools.
While Mamdani is critical of charter schools, his opponent, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, had previously endorsed pro-charter measures but has recently remained somewhat quiet in the race. Meanwhile, GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa openly supports charter schools, and Mayor Eric Adams has faced criticism for not advocating for a lift of the charter cap during his time in Albany.
