NYC Education Department Warns Parent Leader to Stop Offensive Behavior or Face Consequences

Upon receiving a written mandate from the Department of Education, Maud Maron, a key figure in the New York City’s largest school district council, has been instructed to discontinue behavior deemed “derogatory” and “offensive” or potentially face suspension or expulsion.

Criticism has emerged against Maron, a member of Manhattan’s District 2 community education council, following the publication of private text messages containing anti-LGBTQ, particularly anti-trans, remarks like “there is no such thing as trans kids,” sparking backlash from various authorities and community members.

In a subsequent incident, Maron labeled an anonymous student journalist from Stuyvesant High School as a “coward” and accused them of “Jew hatred” in an article published by the New York Post.

Deputy Chancellor Kenita Lloyd outlined in the April 17 directive the imperative for Maron to abstain from making derogatory or offensive comments regarding New York City Public School students, stressing the prohibition of harassive, intimidating, or threatening actions, including verbal abuse and aggressive speech that may induce fear or concerns for personal safety.

Lloyd further warned that a lack of compliance with the directive could result in Maron facing “suspension or removal,” proposing a voluntary conciliation meeting with a schools equity officer to address the matter.

Responding to the order, Maron expressed her inability to comply without clear communication on the behavior that necessitates cessation, criticizing the process as “Kafkaesque,” “bizarre,” and “speech-chilling.”

Despite the directive, critics have deemed the department’s response insufficient and belated, falling short of the removal that community members have long advocated for during education council meetings.

Chancellor David Banks previously condemned Maron’s actions as “despicable” and pledged to take action against her almost four months ago, amidst ongoing public appearances by Maron at various events and engagement in parent leadership roles.

Following Maron’s contentious statements, a petition signed by nearly 800 District 2 community members called for her removal from Stuyvesant High School’s leadership team over concerns of student safety and free speech violations.

The vague language of the DOE memo has left uncertainties about the specific remarks that prompted the cessation order, leading to Maron and other parents pursuing legal action with a federal lawsuit against the Department, alleging censorship and stifling of free speech.