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No day off from NYC public schools for Knicks ticker tape parade, Mamdani says
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Jun 15, 2026
Modified Jun 15, 2026
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Alejandra Villa Loarca/Newsday RM via Getty Images
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Jun 15, 2026
Modified Jun 15, 2026
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Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Monday he cannot cancel school or reschedule regents exams so that New York City’s young basketball fans can attend a ticker tape parade for the championship-winning Knicks.
"This is something I cannot repeal," Mamdani said during a NY1 interview.
J.P. O’Hare, a state department of education spokesperson confirmed there would be changes to the regents schedule.
“New Yorkers are rightfully excited to celebrate the Knicks, but our students have been preparing all year for this moment too,” he said in a statement.
The news will come as a disappointment to public school families and kids who have organized petitions urging the sports-loving mayor to cancel school or reschedule the parade set for Thursday.
Public school students are scheduled to take the science regents starting in the morning, according to the state department of education website. The parade through Broadway’s Canyon of Heroes will kick off at 10 a.m.
Two weeks ago, Mamdani signed a mock executive order repealing bedtimes during the Knicks historic run.
Thursday’s event marks the first ever ticker tape parade for the Knicks, who last won a championship in 1973. New York City erupted into cheers and hours-long celebrations after the Knicks overcame a double-digit deficit to beat the Spurs on Saturday.
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Politics
new york city
Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
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