Over 200 backers of New York City’s Gifted and Talented program gathered at the Department of Education (DOE) on Thursday.
It was the second rally to save the advanced learning format in recent days, the New York Post reported.
“The group — which included several city officials — called for the modification and expansion of the program rather than its elimination,” the outlet said.
Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) recently announced the closing of the current format and said he was planning to replace it with his idea for accelerated classroom learning:
However, a Gifted and Talented parent and supporter named Clayton Broome rejected the argument the program catered to privileged students.
“My only two children gained access to one of the most prestigious of these schools, and we are far from privileged,” he explained Thursday, adding, “We couldn’t afford any test prep. My wife and our first son just used what was available online.”
Protesters gather at City Hall to condemn Mayor Bill de Blasio’s handling of the Gifted and Talented public school program, October 14, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Critics claimed the program that admits students using a standardized test score promoted racial separation in classrooms and enrolled small numbers of black and Hispanic students.
“Backers say advanced city kids should have opportunities to learn with similarly situated peers. Currently, 43 percent of participants are Asian, 36 percent white, 8 percent Hispanic, and 6 percent Black,” the Post report said.
A counter-protester holds a sign as a group gathers at City Hall to condemn Mayor Bill de Blasio’s handling of the Gifted and Talented public school program, October 14, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Meanwhile, another supporter said de Blasio was trying to raze a program he and fellow city and DOE officials had sought for their own families.
“The Gifted and Talented program is so good that the mayor sent both his kids to it,” parent Kai Mao stated. “Parents, teachers and students overwhelmingly support to expand such a program.”
Video footage of the rally showed attendees holding signs with phrases such as “More G&T! Not Less” written on them.
Protesters gather at City Hall with signs saying “Education First!!” and other phrases, October 14, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
“The mayor wants to get rid of the Gifted and Talented classes throughout this city, and we are here to tell him no,” Vito Labella with Parent Leaders for Accelerated Curriculum and Education told the crowd.
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