Zohran Mamdani claims black identity on college application despite Indian ancestry

In 2009, during his high school senior year, Zohran Mamdani submitted his application to Columbia University, where he checked the boxes for both "Black or African American" and "Asian". Born in Uganda to Indian parents, Mamdani identifies himself as an American after recently acquiring U.S. citizenship but has stated he doesn't consider himself Black or African American. The application came into question after a cyberattack led to the leak of sensitive data from Columbia University, including Mamdani's application details. The backlash began when the New York Times reported on these identity claims, prompting significant public discourse around race and identity. Mamdani's decision to identify as both Black and Asian has drawn criticism and ignited debates regarding the implications of race-conscious admissions policies, especially given that these policies were designed to increase diversity in elite universities. Critics argue that his decision to check these boxes was an exploitation of affirmative action, potentially undermining the experiences of those who genuinely identify as Black. In a candid commentary, Mamdani stated that his choice stemmed from his desire to reflect his complex background, arguing against the constraints of racial identification on such applications. The controversy surrounding Mamdani escalated as the New York Times faced backlash from his supporters, who felt that the report was an attack on the candidate's character. Prominent commentators expressed their discontent, suggesting that the reporting was biased and undermined the editorial standards of the publication. In response, the Times defended its reporting and confirmed the findings with Mamdani, asserting that his thought process and decisions were newsworthy. As the story developed, it has become clear that identity politics remains a deeply polarizing issue in contemporary discourse, with many viewing the situation through the lens of affirmative action's effectiveness and fairness. Mamdani's campaign trail has since involved leanings into his South Asian and Ugandan heritage, reflecting the multifaceted nature of identity in America. His case serves as both a critical example of current challenges within the race and admissions narrative and could have implications for future discussions about race, representation, and the criteria used for admissions in elite institutions.