NYU Removes Page of Housing Official Amidst Controversy
New York University (NYU) has recently removed the online page for a class taught by Cea Weaver, a housing official working for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. This action follows the resurfacing of controversial social media posts and views expressed by Weaver.
Gianpaolo Baiocchi, an NYU professor who collaborated with Weaver, stated that the university took down the page to protect her from “harassment.” Baiocchi, like Weaver, was appointed to Mamdani’s transition team last year. It’s worth noting that Baiocchi was previously arrested for participating in a pro-Hamas demonstration at the university.
The specific nature of the “harassment” Weaver faced was not detailed by Baiocchi. However, it may relate to a recent incident where reporters questioned Weaver about past statements. These statements included criticisms of private property, suggestions to “impoverish the white middle class,” and claims that “homeownership is racist.” Weaver reportedly became emotional when asked how her views aligned with the fact that her mother owns a property in Nashville worth $1.6 million.
Weaver taught a one-credit class called “Community Organizing + Advocacy Skills” at NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study in the fall of 2025. The course page was removed from the university website after Weaver’s views became widely known, though archived versions are still accessible.
The course description emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, “No one can make change alone!” It aimed to provide students with tools to build power within their local communities. The class covered community outreach, leadership assessment, campaign strategy, and tactics to influence decision-makers. The course lacked a public syllabus and reading list, and consisted of two Saturday sessions in November.
An NYU spokesman confirmed that Weaver will not be teaching at the university this year. He clarified that she is not currently employed by NYU. Baiocchi stated that Weaver has “paused her teaching at NYU for the immediate future” to focus on her role in Mamdani’s administration.
Weaver’s background as a tenant activist includes expressing a desire to decrease housing values and increase municipal control over housing in New York City. Before joining the Mamdani administration, she served as executive director of Housing Justice For All, an organization supported by George Soros.
Mayor Mamdani has publicly defended Weaver, stating that he expects her to continue her work protecting tenants throughout the city.
NYU had previously highlighted Weaver’s involvement in Mamdani’s transition team in a press release. Weaver, a graduate of NYU’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, has also collaborated with Baiocchi’s Urban Democracy Lab, which focuses on initiatives like “social housing” and “dismantling racial capitalism.” The Wagner School recognized Weaver as one of its “Trailblazers in Building & Real Estate” last year.
An NYU source noted the unusual nature of offering a course led by someone whose stated goal is to reduce real estate values.
Weaver has also taught similar courses at Fordham University.
Weaver did not respond to requests for comments.
