New York, NY (January 8, 2026) – Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, co-executive director of the Alliance for Quality Education, issued the following statement in response to Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani’s announcement of a plan to implement universal child care in New York. “This proposal is an enormous and welcome first step toward building a truly universal, … Continue reading Statement on Governor Hochul’s Historic Universal Child Care Announcement
Group of 40+ Organizations Releases Transition Memo Urging Action Toward Universal Child Care in New York City
New York, NY (December 11, 2025) — More than 40 organizations and coalitions released a transition memo outlining a targeted plan to help the incoming Mamdani administration deliver on its commitment to make New York City more affordable, beginning with universal child care. The transition memo is intended to serve as a roadmap for the … Continue reading Group of 40+ Organizations Releases Transition Memo Urging Action Toward Universal Child Care in New York City
AQE Supports Seneca Nation Plan and Calls for Governor Hochul’s Signature
In response to the Seneca Nation’s warning that unclear New York laws are allowing outside drug traffickers to exploit jurisdictional gaps and put the community at risk, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “Governor Hochul must sign S.8127 / A.8289, which clarifies how law enforcement authority functions on … Continue reading AQE Supports Seneca Nation Plan and Calls for Governor Hochul’s Signature
AQE Endorses Zohran Mamdani for Mayor of New York City
NEW YORK, NY (October 14, 2025) — The public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education today announced its endorsement of Zohran Mamdani for Mayor of New York City. “For a quarter century, we’ve organized to ensure every child in New York has access to a quality education,” said AQE co-executive directors Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari and … Continue reading AQE Endorses Zohran Mamdani for Mayor of New York City
Chancellor Avilés-Ramos Responds to Community Calls for CEC Election Reform
NEW YORK, N.Y. (October 1, 2025) — In response to NYC Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Avilés-Ramos’ announcement of a new tool and renewed efforts to reform the Community Education Council (CEC) election process, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “Chancellor Avilés-Ramos has shown a clear commitment to listening to … Continue reading Chancellor Avilés-Ramos Responds to Community Calls for CEC Election Reform
New Mexico is doing universal child care, when will New York?
ALBANY, N.Y. (September 9, 2025) — In response to New Mexico’s announcement that it will guarantee universal, no-cost child care for every family in the state, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “New Mexico has set a bold new standard for the nation by guaranteeing universal, no-cost child care … Continue reading New Mexico is doing universal child care, when will New York?
AQE Responds to Anti-Blackness Across Borders: A Fast for Gaza and Global Justice
In response to the unfolding famine in Gaza and the genocides devastating Black and oppressed communities around the world, AQE will observe fast tomorrow, Wednesday, July 30. This fast will be a rejection of the excesses that so often coexist alongside genocide, and a refusal to accept the suffering that their continuation demands. In a … Continue reading AQE Responds to Anti-Blackness Across Borders: A Fast for Gaza and Global Justice
The Attacks On Our Communities Won’t Stop Us
In response to HHS bans disabling immigrants’ access to taxpayer-funded programs, public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “The federal government’s actions today are a calculated attack on immigrant communities. Cutting students and families off from Head Start, mental health care, adult education, and other essential services under the pretense … Continue reading The Attacks On Our Communities Won’t Stop Us
AQE Responds to Tuesday’s Primary Election Results
In response to Tuesday’s primary election results, public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “Yesterday’s primaries showed the strength of grassroots organizing and campaigning focused on making life easier and more affordable for everyone. That includes freezing the rent, providing free child care, supporting well-funded public schools, and making the … Continue reading AQE Responds to Tuesday’s Primary Election Results
AQE Responds to NYC CEC Election Results
When Community Education Councils (CECs) function well, they provide a vital platform for parents to shape public education. In NYC, elected parents advise the Department of Education on policy, programs, zoning, and more. But too often, CECs have lacked the support and infrastructure needed to make participation truly accessible – creating space for a small, … Continue reading AQE Responds to NYC CEC Election Results