Adams, Cuomo demand Columbia records of Mamdani; Sliwa rejects it as sideshow
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo are calling for a full investigation into allegations that Zohran Mamdani falsely identified himself as African American on his Columbia University application. However, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa believes that the controversy is a distraction from Mamdani’s socialist agenda and will only serve to energize his supporters and sway undecided voters.
Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, checked the box for “Black or African American” on his 2009 Columbia University application, despite not considering himself Black. He also checked “Asian” and wrote in “Ugandan” in the space for additional background. Mamdani, who was not a U.S. citizen at the time, explained that he was trying to reflect his complex background and not gain an advantage in the admissions process.
Both Adams and Cuomo have condemned Mamdani’s actions, with Adams calling it “an insult to every student who got into college the right way.” A spokesperson for the Cuomo campaign warned that this could be fraud and just the tip of the iceberg, urging for a full investigation into the matter.
On the other hand, Sliwa sees the controversy as a political distraction that will only benefit Mamdani. He believes that attacking Mamdani on this issue will only make him a martyr and galvanize his support base. Sliwa emphasized the importance of focusing on the issues at hand and the clear differences between Mamdani’s policies and his own vision for the city.
Mamdani’s win in the Democratic primary has sent shockwaves through New York City, with many fearing the consequences of his socialist policies. His platform includes a $30 minimum wage, tax hikes on businesses and the rich, city-owned grocery stores, and a rent freeze for stabilized tenants.
The Adams campaign is calling on Columbia University to release Mamdani’s 2009 admissions records and conduct a formal review to determine if any university policies were violated. They are seeking answers to ensure transparency for the voters.
Mamdani has denied identifying as Black or African American outside of his college application and has leaned into his South Asian and Muslim identity on the campaign trail. He has also highlighted his African roots, stating that he was born in Uganda and named after the first Prime Minister of Ghana.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Mamdani’s college application has sparked calls for an investigation from top political figures in New York City. While Adams and Cuomo believe that this could be a sign of deeper deceit, Sliwa warns against turning Mamdani into a victim and instead urges a focus on the issues at hand. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Mamdani’s mayoral campaign.
