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NYC Halts Community Action School Phaseout Following Racist Hot‑Mic Incident

DOE will provide restorative work, expand Black Studies, offer family trainings to support CAS.

Overview

  • Chancellor Kamar Samuels told families Monday night that the phaseout slated to start next school year will not move forward.
  • The move followed his visit with CAS students and leaders earlier that day, where he heard calls for stability as the community processes the incident.
  • The Education Department detailed supports including restorative circles, parent sessions, an expanded Black Studies curriculum, and work on a citywide plan to confront anti-Black racism.
  • Officials had justified the original proposal by citing enrollment of about 170 students and below-average test scores, while supporters pointed to recent gains and the school’s supportive environment.
  • Two other District 3 closure or program changes remain unresolved, including proposals involving Manhattan School for Children and P.S./I.S. 191, and Hunter College has placed parent Allyson Friedman on leave.