NYC Mayor Criticized for ‘Mindful Breathing’ School Rule Amid Poor Academic Performance, Absenteeism

New York City Mayor Faces Criticism Over “Mindful Breathing” Rule in Schools

Last week, New York City Mayor Eric Adams faced backlash for his new rule requiring public school students to engage in daily “mindful breathing” exercises. The announcement stated that students from kindergarten to high school will participate in these exercises starting in the fall, with the aim of helping them cope with stress.

During a press conference, Mayor Adams hailed the breathing exercises as a “game changer.” He emphasized the importance of proper breathing techniques, stating, “Thousands of years ago, other cultures were learning how to breathe. We have never been taught… There’s a science to breathing, it’s not just air going through your nostrils and you move.”

Critics argue that the city’s public schools are already grappling with chronic absenteeism and declining grades, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.

Tim Hoefer, president and CEO of the Empire Center for Public Policy, voiced his concerns in an op-ed for the New York Post. He wrote, “The mayor should save his oxygen for the real crisis in our schools — our children are not being taught how to read, if they’re even showing up to class at all. Let’s focus on the fundamentals and get butts back into seats.”

Kayleigh McEnany, former White House press secretary, also criticized the “mindful breathing” rule, dismissing it as a “pet project” of Mayor Adams. She expressed skepticism about its ability to address the violence problem in schools, stating, “I somehow made it through many academic institutions without learning about breathing. I just think this is ridiculous.”

While some acknowledge the potential benefits of “mindful breathing” for students, concerns have been raised about the mayor’s proposed budget cuts to a separate mental health initiative in high schools.

Dawn Yuster, director of the School Justice Project at Advocates for Children, highlighted this issue, stating, “That’s certainly not a replacement for other really critical programs and services that are at risk of being discontinued.”

Mayor Adams’ announcement coincided with the release of national data showing a significant decline in math and reading scores, reaching their lowest levels in decades. Additionally, public schools across the country have experienced a decline in student enrollment due to frustrations with pandemic restrictions, learning loss, and inappropriate curriculum content.