New York City’s public school system is facing a serious crisis—one that affects not just students, but also the teachers trying to help them succeed. Weak attendance rules, “equity grading” policies, and poor enforcement of discipline have led to falling academic standards across many schools. Yet, the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), under long-time president Michael Mulgrew, has remained silent on this troubling trend. As voting begins to decide the next UFT leader, many educators believe it’s time for change—and time to ask tough questions.
The Problem With “Equity Grading”
In recent years, New York’s Department of Education (DOE) has promoted “equity grading” policies meant to help disadvantaged students. But these policies have gone too far. Today, students can pass classes even if they rarely attend or complete their work. Some schools now give a minimum grade of 55 on failed assignments—even if a student didn’t show up or write a single correct answer. This sends a message that effort and presence no longer matter.
Attendance Is No Longer a Priority
Once, attending class was considered a basic requirement to pass. But under recent mayors, including Bill de Blasio and now Eric Adams, the importance of “seat time” has been erased. Students can now be absent for most of the semester and still receive passing grades. Teachers are even required to offer makeup assignments for every absence, regardless of reason—and often must accept AI-generated work without questioning it.
To make things worse, the DOE no longer labels students “Excessively Absent” or “Excessively Late” on report cards. This creates the false impression that attendance is fine, even when it’s clearly not.
The Impact on Students and Teachers
These relaxed rules are creating a damaging culture. Students no longer see attendance as a responsibility, and many are confused when their grades drop—even after skipping most of the term. Some even request college recommendation letters despite poor class performance. Teachers, meanwhile, are demoralised. Their authority is undermined, and they are expected to pass students who don’t meet even the minimum standards.
Worse, the DOE keeps key attendance data hidden from parents and teachers. Coaches can no longer view whether students are attending their full schedule and are forced to keep their own records. This lack of transparency only adds to the confusion.
Where Is the UFT?
Throughout this major shift in school culture, the UFT—New York’s largest teachers’ union—has stayed silent. Michael Mulgrew, who has led the union since 2009, has failed to raise these issues publicly. Teachers across the city are asking: why hasn’t our union fought back against these destructive policies? Why hasn’t it defended teachers’ professional integrity?
As New Yorkers vote to elect the next UFT president, it’s time to demand answers. The current leadership must either stand up for real education standards or step aside for someone who will.
A strong education system is built on clear expectations, discipline, and respect—for both students and teachers. When schools give passing grades to students who rarely attend and barely work, they send the wrong message about success. The damage is real: future workers lose discipline, resilience, and key learning opportunities.
It’s time for New York’s Department of Education and union leaders to stop hiding the truth. The city must return to basic standards and fix the broken policies that are hurting our classrooms. And for that to happen, teachers need a union that is willing to speak up. The next UFT president must be someone who stands with educators, not one who stays silent as classrooms collapse.
