A routine Community Education Council (CEC) meeting in Manhattan turned chaotic last week as a group of around 100 trans rights activists staged a disruptive protest, using silent dancing and heckling to drown out discussion on policies related to transgender athletes.
During the public comment session, Jo Vitale, a parent advocate, tried to voice concerns about biological males competing in girls’ sports. Before she could finish, the activists stood up and began silently dancing to the 90s hit “Macarena,” throwing off the meeting’s flow.
“I’m here to speak for female athletes who feel intimidated by this nonsense behind me,” Vitale said, unfazed by the silent protest.
This wasn’t the first time the activists disrupted a meeting. For over a year, they have protested nearly every CEC 2 gathering, ever since the council passed Resolution 248, urging the Department of Education (DOE) to review its policy that allows students to compete based on gender identity, reported New York post.
One of the main organisers, trans teacher Alaina Daniels, who runs an after-school programme for LGBTQ+ youth, has mobilised activists to attend the meetings. A recent Instagram post urged supporters to wear trans flag colours and attend in large numbers, claiming “Your physical presence makes the biggest impact.”
CEC members say the protests have made it nearly impossible to discuss other educational concerns, like academic performance and declining enrollment. “I appreciate their advocacy, but it’s completely misplaced,” said CEC 2 Vice President Leonard Silverman, as quoted by New York Post. He noted that the resolution isn’t being repealed, and the DOE has already dismissed calls for a review.
At last week’s meeting, the disruptions caused the council to lose quorum, delaying votes on two resolutions—one reaffirming the DOE’s trans-inclusive sports policy and another opposing President Trump’s executive order against “radical indoctrination” in schools.