In response to New York City Council passing Intros 1-B and 175-B, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education issued the following statement: “We are furious and deeply disappointed that the members of the New York City Council voted to pass the ‘no free speech buffer zone’ bills, knowing this legislation expands police … Continue reading AQE Condemns Passage of Bills Restricting First Amendment Rights
One House Proposals Acknowledge Need to Raise Taxes, Invest in Child Care Workforce
ALBANY, N.Y. (March 10, 2026) — Public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education issued the following statement in response to the Senate and Assembly budget proposals: “The Senate and Assembly budget proposals both include priorities that must be reflected in the final enacted budget. Working families across New York are facing deep and growing … Continue reading One House Proposals Acknowledge Need to Raise Taxes, Invest in Child Care Workforce
Statement on Governor Hochul’s Historic Universal Child Care Announcement
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
Six Things Child Care Organizers Want You to Know
After a turbulent year of funding gaps and policy fights, child care organizers nationwide share what’s at stake heading into 2026. Read the article.
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
As Mamdani looks to build free child care, UPK offers lessons on speed vs. stability
As Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani plans his rollout of universal child care, his team is studying both the successes and shortcomings of New York City’s earlier universal pre-K expansion to make sure families’ needs and provider perspectives are included. Advocates and experts alike emphasize that building a truly universal system will require centering families’ choices and … Continue reading As Mamdani looks to build free child care, UPK offers lessons on speed vs. stability
Breaking the mayor’s monopoly: Can Zohran Mamdani make co-governance work for New York’s schools?
Zohran Mamdani is calling for a new approach to how New York City’s public schools are governed, challenging the decades-old system of mayoral control that concentrates power in City Hall. Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, co-executive director of AQE, said the current structure was built to consolidate authority and that now is the moment to build something more … Continue reading Breaking the mayor’s monopoly: Can Zohran Mamdani make co-governance work for New York’s schools?
‘Confusion and chaos’: Mamdani pushes for less power over NYC schools
Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani is proposing to reduce the mayor’s control over New York City’s schools and instead create a co-governance model that shares authority with parents, educators, and local councils. Supporters see this as a step toward greater accountability and inclusion, while critics warn it could lead to “confusion and chaos.” Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, … Continue reading ‘Confusion and chaos’: Mamdani pushes for less power over NYC schools
Mamdani campaign quietly convenes education advocates to shape schools agenda
Zohran Mamdani’s campaign for mayor of New York City recently convened education advocates, parents, and education policy experts to gather input on policies that could better serve New York City’s diverse communities, particularly focusing on equity, affordability, and the needs of vulnerable students. AQE participated, highlighting issues of funding and access, while parents voiced priorities … Continue reading Mamdani campaign quietly convenes education advocates to shape schools agenda
Should the Mayor Control N.Y.C. Schools? Mamdani and Cuomo Don’t Agree.
The debate over who should run New York City’s schools has become a defining issue in the mayoral race, with Zohran Mamdani calling for an end to the city’s undemocratic system of mayoral control in favor of greater community and educator voice. His stance, backed by teachers and progressive families, reflects growing frustration with decades … Continue reading Should the Mayor Control N.Y.C. Schools? Mamdani and Cuomo Don’t Agree.