Mayor Mamdani Vetoes NYPD Anti-Protest Buffer Zone Bill for NYC Schools, Citing Constitutional Concerns and Overbroad Language

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued his first veto on Friday, rejecting a City Council bill that would have required the NYPD to establish anti-protest buffer zones around schools and educational institutions across the city.

The veto targets one of two bills passed by the City Council aimed at creating buffer zones near religious and educational institutions to address hate, and harassment. Mayor Mamdani stated he would veto the measure requiring the NYPD to create and make public security perimeter plans for protests at educational facilities.

In a statement, the mayor cited constitutional concerns, arguing the legislative language defining an educational institution was too broad.

“It includes museums, libraries, teaching hospitals, things of that nature. Which is part of the reason why more than a dozen unions raised the alarm,” Mamdani said.

The legislation followed a series of high-profile protests in recent years, including demonstrations at Columbia University tied to the Israel-Gaza conflict, which became some of the most visible and volatile in the country. Concerns about antisemitism also intensified after a protest near Park Synagogue East, prompting calls for additional protections.

City Council Speaker Julie Menin, who sponsored the bills and is the first Jewish Council speaker, said the measures were designed to ensure safety while maintaining accountability.

“Basically both bills require NYPD to set up safe access perimeter only if there are instances of intimidation, harassment or injury,” Menin said. “So these are also police accountability and transparency bills.”

Civil liberties advocates praised the mayor’s decision. In a statement, New York Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Donna Lieberman said, “Protest is in the DNA of our city from Stonewall to No Kings. We applaud the mayor for vetoing this legislation that would abandon our city’s history, endanger our right to speak out and make it more likely that going to a school, a library or even a hospital leads to an encounter with police.”

Supporters of the legislation, however, expressed disappointment, particularly within the Jewish community.

“We think all places where kids are learning deserve to be treated with care,” said Hindy Poupko, Senior Vice President for Community Organizing and External Relations at UJA Federation of New York.

Poupko said the organization was pleased the bill establishing buffer zones around houses of worship would be moving forward, but was disappointed in the mayor’s veto of the education-related measure.

“We believe this legislation was actually very thoughtfully created; it really balances the right of both parties,” she said.

Menin said the City Council will now consider next steps, including whether to attempt an override of the mayor’s veto.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC New York. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC New York journalist edited the article for publication.