LGBTQ rights advocate removed from community board for seeking clarification on policies

A Community Board member has been removed for daring to ask questions.

Craig Slutzkin, a gay single dad and supporter of gay and trans rights, was part of Community Board 5.

He believed in the importance of including all parental perspectives in conversations about school policy.

By voting “yes” on an Education Council resolution for a review of gender guidelines in school sports, he sparked a debate on whether transgender students should be allowed on women’s teams.

“The resolution asks families to have respectful conversations about school sports organization,” explained Slutzkin.

However, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine was not supportive, and decided not to reappoint Slutzkin to the Community Board 5.

Levine’s firm stance on trans ideology made it clear that he did not want any dissenting voices, especially when it comes to protecting the rights of girls.

Given the ongoing legal challenges to President Biden’s Title IX rewrite, some concerned residents suspect other motives behind Levine’s decision, such as his preference for real-estate-friendly community board members.

‘Just disgusting’

Slutzkin, a potential board chair candidate, was widely expected to win upcoming elections.

Now, Samir Lavingia, a member of Open New York, is running unopposed, raising suspicions of Levine’s ties to real estate influencing the decision.

Members of Community Board 5 are outraged by Levine’s interference and believe his relationship with real estate is a major factor.

One Manhattanite expressed disgust at the situation, claiming Levine removed Slutzkin to appease Open NY for financial gain.

The nominating committee of CB5 wrote a letter criticizing Levine’s decision and requesting Slutzkin’s reappointment.

Thirty-three members of CB5 joined the letter advocating for Slutzkin’s return.

Whether Slutzkin’s removal was politically motivated or a form of punishment for his views, it is evident that Levine is willing to silence dissenting voices.

Community Board 5 and all New Yorkers deserve more inclusive and transparent leadership.

Maud Maron is a former president and current member of the District 2 Community Educational Council.