Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Party nominee in the New York City mayoral race, is under renewed scrutiny after his college writings on white privilege and Israel resurfaced during his campaign for mayor.

The material, which aligns closely with his current political stances, has fueled criticism from opponents who question whether Mamdani's views have matured since his time at Bowdoin College, as the Western Journal reports.

Mamdani, 33, is an alumnus of Bowdoin College in Maine. While attending the school from 2010 to 2014, he wrote 32 pieces for the student newspaper, the Bowdoin Orient.

Among those were two articles that highlighted his support for an academic boycott of Israel and critiques of systemic white privilege, both issues he continues to emphasize in his platform.

College activism sparks present-day concerns

As a student, Mamdani co-founded Bowdoin’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine and served as co-president. During the 2012 Gaza war, the group initially held discussions with members of J Street U but eventually severed ties, adopting a strict "non-normalization" policy that opposed dialogue with pro-Israel organizations.

In a 2014 article, Mamdani criticized Bowdoin’s then-president Barry Mills for not endorsing an academic boycott of Israeli institutions.

He argued that Israeli universities were complicit in military operations, discriminated against Palestinian students, prioritized military personnel, and failed to challenge the occupation of Palestine.

He wrote that Israeli universities helped develop technologies for use in home demolitions and described the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict as one of colonial occupation. His statements echo positions he's taken publicly during the current mayoral race.

Past positions mirror campaign messaging

Critics argue Mamdani has not moderated his positions since college. In interviews, the candidate was twice asked if he supports Israel’s right to exist but didn't give a direct answer until his appearance on election eve with Stephen Colbert, where he said Israel has a right to exist like all nations but added that it must uphold international law.

He has also expressed support for the idea of arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu based on an international warrant, though critics point out the court lacks jurisdiction in the United States and the U.S. is not a signatory to the relevant statute. Supporters say his position underscores a commitment to holding global leaders accountable.

Former classmates recall Mamdani's unwillingness to collaborate with individuals or groups who held opposing views.

One J Street U representative said a proposed joint music festival was dismissed without consideration, describing his attitude at the time as inflexible and dismissive.

Essays on race feed new criticism

Mamdani’s student writings on white privilege have also drawn renewed attention. In one article, he argued that the concept is both structural and individual, shaped by media portrayals and institutional bias that elevate white male authority figures as default voices of reason.

He supported the college newspaper's controversial editorial decision not to publish certain opinions by white male students, responding strongly to detractors. He wrote that the dominance of white voices in public discourse feeds structural inequality, even when individuals remain silent.

Though ethnically Indian, Mamdani reportedly identified as Black or African American on his college application, a decision he justified by citing his birth and upbringing in Uganda and South Africa. Some critics have argued that the designation may have played a role in his admission despite average SAT performance.

Policy proposals raise familiar concerns

Today, Mamdani is proposing to nearly multiply the city’s hate violence prevention budget by nine times, a move some view as an extension of the ideas he promoted in college. Supporters applaud the effort as timely and responsive, while opponents argue it reflects ideological excess rather than practical governance.

His current political base is reportedly made up largely of affluent, progressive white voters, a demographic that contrasts with the focus of his past writings on privilege and social hierarchy. Observers note the irony of his criticism of privilege while benefiting from progressive support in one of the world’s most diverse cities.

As Election Day nears, Mamdani's early college activism has become a focal point for both supporters and critics. Whether voters see consistency or inflexibility may determine how the public ultimately judges his capacity to govern New York City.