New York City, November 21, 2025
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has debunked a false claim regarding a mandate for teaching ‘Arabic numerals’ in elementary schools. The claim originated from a satirical post misinterpreted as a policy announcement, causing confusion online. ‘Arabic numerals’ are the standard digits 0-9 that have long been taught in schools across the U.S. Mamdani’s office reassured the public that no such changes to the curriculum are being proposed.
New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani Addresses False Claims About ‘Arabic Numerals’ in Schools
New York City, NY – A recent false claim alleging that Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani plans to mandate the teaching of “Arabic numerals” in New York City elementary schools has been debunked. The assertion, which spread rapidly on social media platforms, is entirely unfounded.
Origin of the False Claim
The misinformation began with a satirical post on X (formerly Twitter) by the account Polymarket, stating: “BREAKING: Zohran Mamdani to require all New York elementary school students to learn Arabic numerals.” This satirical content was misinterpreted by some users as a genuine policy announcement, leading to widespread confusion and concern.
Clarification on ‘Arabic Numerals’
It’s important to note that “Arabic numerals” refer to the standard digits 0 through 9, which are already universally taught and used in all U.S. schools, including those in New York City. The term “Arabic numerals” is a misnomer; these digits originated in India and were introduced to the Western world through Arab mathematicians. They have been the standard numerical system in the U.S. for centuries.
Fact-Checking and Public Response
Fact-checking organizations and reputable news outlets have swiftly debunked the claim, confirming that no such mandate is being proposed by Mayor-elect Mamdani. The confusion highlights the ease with which satirical content can be misinterpreted and spread as misinformation. Public reactions ranged from confusion to ridicule, with many pointing out the absurdity of the claim, given that Arabic numerals are already in widespread use.
Background on Zohran Mamdani
Zohran Mamdani, born in 1991 in Kampala, Uganda, is the son of renowned academic Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair. He has served as a member of the New York State Assembly since 2021, representing the 36th district in Queens. Mamdani’s campaign for mayor focused on progressive policies, including housing reform, police and prison reform, and public ownership of utilities. He was elected as New York City’s mayor on November 4, 2025, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. His inauguration is scheduled for January 1, 2026.
Conclusion
The recent misinformation about Mayor-elect Mamdani’s alleged plan to introduce “Arabic numerals” into New York City schools is entirely false. The standard numerical system used in U.S. education has been in place for centuries, and no changes are being proposed. It’s crucial for the public to critically evaluate information, especially when it originates from unverified or satirical sources, to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are ‘Arabic numerals’?
‘Arabic numerals’ are the standard digits 0 through 9 used in the Western world. They originated in India and were introduced to Europe through Arab mathematicians. These numerals have been the standard numerical system in the U.S. for centuries.
Did Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani propose teaching ‘Arabic numerals’ in schools?
No, this claim is false. The misinformation began with a satirical post on social media and has been debunked by fact-checking organizations and reputable news outlets.
Why did this misinformation spread?
The satirical nature of the original post was misinterpreted by some users as a genuine policy announcement, leading to widespread confusion and concern. This highlights the ease with which satirical content can be misinterpreted and spread as misinformation.
Who is Zohran Mamdani?
Zohran Mamdani is the mayor-elect of New York City, elected on November 4, 2025. He has served as a member of the New York State Assembly since 2021, representing the 36th district in Queens. His campaign focused on progressive policies, including housing reform, police and prison reform, and public ownership of utilities.
What should the public do to prevent the spread of misinformation?
The public should critically evaluate information, especially when it originates from unverified or satirical sources. Fact-checking organizations and reputable news outlets can provide accurate information to help prevent the spread of misinformation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mayor-Elect | Zohran Mamdani |
| False Claim | Teaching ‘Arabic numerals’ in schools |
| Origin of Claim | Satirical post on social media |
| Definition of ‘Arabic Numerals’ | Standard digits 0-9 used in Western education |
| Public Response | Confusion and ridicule |
| Election Date | November 4, 2025 |
| Inauguration Date | January 1, 2026 |
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