David Banks gets compliments from City Council on his performance in DC

New York City schools Chancellor David Banks got some love from City Council members Wednesday for how he handled last week’s congressional hearing on antisemitism in public schools. The praise, which came from a handful of different members, punctuated a lengthy back and forth between members and Education Department officials over next fiscal year’s budget.

City Council Member Alexa Avilés commended Banks for how he managed “the congressional theater.” “You did us proud. Several of my constituents were actually texting me around how you held firm and particularly noted how we actually take antisemitism and hate very seriously in this city,” she said. “It's not theater for us.”

“Good job at the hearing on Capitol Hill with your testimony. I watched,” City Council Member Shekar Krishnan said.

Both council members are part of the City Council’s progressive caucus, which has been at odds with the Adams administration over school funding, making their praise all the more significant. Several other council members also complimented the schools chancellor on his performance.

While Banks was the main target of House Republicans during the May 8 House hearing, he appeared to emerge far better than the Ivy League university presidents who’d undergone aggressive questioning from the committee earlier this year. 

Addressing council members Wednesday, Banks reiterated that he testified to ensure the city was “clear and honest” about the challenges the school system is facing while also ensuring “there was no D.C. politician who was going to smear our city or our schools as being a hotbed of hate.”

He urged council members to work with the Department of Education to help the school system meet this difficult moment as he doesn’t have all the answers. 

“That was part of the reason I responded in the way that I did when I went to Washington. It was a very different tone and tenor than here at the City Council. To me that was all about gotcha and playing for a viral moment. Yes and no questions,” Banks said. “These are not yes or no questions that we’re dealing with. These are gray areas that have to be addressed by serious leaders, and we look at all of you as serious leaders.”