Zohran Mamdani appoints controversial figures to NYC school board

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed 13 new members to the Panel for Education Policy, a move that has drawn scrutiny due to the political records of several appointees.

Among the selections is Lucas Koehler, leader of the Foundation for City College, who previously supported initiatives to "dismantle white dominant culture" and advocated for racially segregated discussion spaces within the Department of Education to address internalized racism. Koehler also supported a proposal to end the department's cooperation with the NYPD, citing concerns that police presence poses a "threat" to minority students.

Raysa S. Rodriguez, head of the Citizens Committee for Children, was also appointed. Her organization has advocated for reducing police funding and opposing a $225 million NYPD training facility in Queens. Additionally, Dr. Madeline Fox was selected; she has previously signed statements accusing Israel of genocide and disputing the prevalence of antisemitism on college campuses.