Politics: NYC Mayoral Forum at Columbia Journalism School

By Christine Stoddard / @stoddardsays

On Monday, Columbia Journalism School hosted a mayoral forum. Democratic nominee hopefuls Adrienne Adams, Michael Blake, Whitney Tilson, Jessica Ramos, and Zellnor Myrie participated. As did independent Jim Walden. Students asked the candidates questions about housing, education, and police funding. But the real tea? Every candidate was asked about Columbia: Their reaction to federal funding cuts … ? Adrienne Adams: …as mayor of this city, it would again be my responsibility to speak out against these federal cuts.” Zellnor Myrie: “I think we have to utilize the 10th Amendment in the same way to protect our local institutions and ensure that there are no unconstitutional grabs of money...” What about sending police onto campus last year during the protests? Jessica Ramos: "No." Michael Blake: "Sending in the NYPD to harm students? Hell no, that’s not what any mayor should be doing.” Whitney Tilson: "Yes, I know that’s not going to win me many fans in the room. // Generally, I would rather let Columbia security handle its own protests. But when things got out of control, it was creating an unsafe environment for Jewish students on campus.” Their opinion of banning face coverings during demonstrations? Jim Walden: "Face coverings have never been a good idea. This is why we got rid of it with the KKK. // This is what allows people to go from speech to speech to hate conduct because there's no consequences. // Face coverings are a bad policy regardless of who the protesters are.” About the creator: Christine Stoddard is a multimedia storyteller and member of Columbia Journalism School Class of 2025. Named one of Brooklyn Magazine's Top 50 Most Fascinating People, she founded Quail Bell Press & Productions. Follow her on ‪@StoddardSays‬. About Columbia Journalism School: Columbia Journalism School’s purpose is to educate students from all over the world to become conscientious, accomplished professional journalists. #newyorkcity #mayor #politics #columbians #columbiauniversity #election #police #nypd #protest #gaza #facemask