NYC's Elite Private Schools Gather for Controversial 'Diversity Symposium'

Critics say the event promotes antisemitic and anti-Western views, turning schools into 'indoctrination centers'.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:50pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty classroom with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows, creating deep shadows and a sense of unease, conceptually representing the divisive nature of the diversity curriculum being pushed at these private schools.The controversial 'diversity symposium' at elite NYC private schools raises concerns about the divisive ideologies being promoted to young students.NYC Today

New York City's most prestigious private schools will attend a 'diversity symposium' this week, hosted by a nonprofit that critics say perpetuates divisive ideologies. The event, organized by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), aims to 'assess the current state of diversity, equity and inclusion' and 'reclaim equity work' in classrooms. However, some argue the symposium's workshops promote controversial viewpoints and turn elite K-12 institutes into 'indoctrination centers' for young students.

Why it matters

The symposium's focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) comes as the Trump administration has sought to dismantle such programs at universities and corporations. Critics argue that private schools should not be exempt from scrutiny over discriminatory practices, even if they are federally tax-exempt.

The details

The symposium will feature workshops like 'Reclaiming Belonging in the Classroom: Equity as the Universal Design for Teachers and Schools' and 'The Belonging Lab: A Hands-On Design Studio for Story, Structure and Courageous Dialogue.' The event's speaker, Liza Talusan, is described as an 'educator, facilitator, and strategic change partner' who helps organizations build skills in 'identity and leadership.' Critics of the NYSAIS and its parent organization, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), call the group a 'shadowy' entity 'hell-bent on expanding curricula' with a 'long history of antisemitic and anti-Western actions.'

  • The NYSAIS Diversity Symposium 2026 will take place on April 9.
  • In February 2026, President Trump touted in his State of the Union address that the administration has 'ended DEI' in America.

The players

New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS)

The organization hosting the 'diversity symposium' that critics say promotes divisive ideologies.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)

The parent organization of NYSAIS, which critics call a 'shadowy group that is hell-bent on expanding curricula and an educational environment that has a long history of antisemitic and anti-Western actions.'

Liza Talusan

The speaker and presenter of the NYSAIS symposium, described as an 'educator, facilitator, and strategic change partner for organizations, corporations, leadership teams, schools and individuals who are looking to build their skills in areas of identity and leadership.'

Michelle Parker

A New York lawyer representing the parents of independent private school students, who argues that DEI practices at elite private schools amount to 'indoctrination' and should not be exempt from government scrutiny.

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What they’re saying

“The administration is working to eliminate the discriminatory aspects of DEI in both higher ed and public K-12, but it is still being taught and practiced in private schools. We all watched the divisive nature of DEI play out after October 7 when universities allowed the targeting of certain students under the guise of peaceful campus protests. It is remarkable that prestigious federally tax-exempt private schools throughout our country have escaped this scrutiny.”

— Michelle Parker, New York lawyer representing parents of independent private school students

“If the government believes DEI, as it is being taught and practiced, is discriminatory, then it is discriminatory and harmful regardless of whether the school is public or is private. Under existing federal regulations, private schools that discriminate are ineligible for federal tax-exempt status. These revered entities should not get a pass, rather they should either operate in accordance with the law or operate without the privilege of a tax-free existence.”

— Michelle Parker, New York lawyer representing parents of independent private school students

What’s next

Michelle Parker said she has sent a memo to Congress asking for a Congressional inquiry into discrimination at tax-exempt K-12 private independent schools and seeking action by state attorneys general to enforce existing state laws that govern nonprofit independent private schools.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the ongoing debate over diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices in education, with critics arguing that even elite private schools should not be exempt from scrutiny over potentially discriminatory curricula and ideologies.