NEW YORK, NY — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to veto a City Council bill that would require police to establish protest buffer zones around schools and educational institutions, escalating tensions between City Hall and lawmakers.
The proposal, known as Intro 175, passed the council 30–19 but fell short of a veto-proof margin. A separate measure creating buffer zones around houses of worship passed overwhelmingly and is expected to remain intact.
Mamdani said the school-focused bill raises constitutional concerns, particularly regarding free speech protections. “The problem is how widely this bill defines an educational institution,” he said, noting that universities, museums, and hospitals could all fall under restrictions, potentially limiting lawful protests across large areas of the city.
Council Speaker Julie Menin defended the legislation, arguing it was necessary to ensure student safety during demonstrations. She said the bill would require the NYPD to maintain access to schools without infringing on First Amendment rights.
Labor unions, including United Auto Workers Region 9A, and civil liberties groups strongly opposed the bill, warning it could restrict protest rights. The union has already begun lobbying council members to sustain the mayor’s veto if challenged.
The council may attempt an override vote, though its success remains uncertain given the narrower margin of passage.
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