On October 16, a rally was held at City Hall Park in Manhattan, organized by the coalition Hedge Clippers, comprised of unions and progressive groups. The event targeted the education advocacy organization “PLACE NYC,” claiming it is controlled by far-right billionaires who spread anti-LGBTQ+, anti-trans, and racially discriminatory rhetoric and policies within the New York education system. City Council member Erik Bottcher spoke at the rally.
Hedge Clippers released a report alleging that PLACE NYC’s founders, Jia Ting and Maud Maron, were once leaders at the “Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism” (FAIR), which has ties to the conservative think tank, the Manhattan Institute, sharing numerous donors from the far-right billionaire class. The report contends that these billionaires manipulate Jia and Maud to promote right-wing agendas in New York schools, endangering the safety of Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ students. Among the attendees at the rally were state senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Jabari Brisport.
In response, Jia Ting dismissed the accusations as “fabricated and unfounded,” asserting that PLACE NYC has always operated as a grassroots initiative driven by passionate parents dedicated to maintaining high educational standards, and that the organization has never accepted money for its activities. Regarding the criticisms of anti-LGBTQ+ and racially discriminatory views, Jia emphasized that PLACE NYC’s mission has always been to uphold rigorous teaching standards, stressing that individual members’ statements do not represent the organization as a whole.
Jia noted her personal connections with many LGBTQ+ friends and explained that as a parent, she believes parents play a crucial role in helping teens navigate their paths in exploring gender identity. “As a tomboy during my own adolescence, I recognize that misleading external opinions could have influenced my decisions,” she said.
Meanwhile, Maud Maron faced controversy earlier this year when she was removed from her position on the Manhattan District 2 school board by then-education chancellor David Banks for denying the existence of transgender children in a private chat. Maud maintains her stance from that conversation, arguing that “defending the rights of girls and women does not equate to being against transgender individuals.”
