New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s college writings have resurfaced, shedding light on his early views regarding an anti-Israel boycott and white privilege. During his time at Bowdoin College from 2010 to 2014, Mamdani authored 32 articles for the Bowdoin Orient, including one advocating for an academic boycott of Israel. He argued that such a boycott would scrutinize Israeli government actions and pressure institutions to end oppressive policies in Palestine. Mamdani co-founded the college’s Students for Justice in Palestine, a group known for its anti-Israel protests. Mamdani also critiqued Bowdoin College President Barry Mills for opposing the boycott, highlighting the lack of acknowledgment of Palestinian issues. He emphasized that the call for a boycott was a response to decades of Israeli occupation and colonialism. In another article, Mamdani addressed white privilege, responding to criticism of the school’s editorial page being predominantly white. He argued that white males are often seen as authoritative figures in media, perpetuating structural and individual privilege. In his writings, Mamdani shared personal experiences of racial identity and privilege during his study abroad in Egypt amidst political upheaval. He noted the shift in societal privilege from white Christian males to those with brown skin and Muslim names, allowing him to blend into Egyptian society. Mamdani’s reflections on race continued in a piece marking the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to Bowdoin. He expressed frustration with the college’s perceived complacency regarding diversity, recounting personal struggles as one of few non-white students. Despite finding solidarity with some peers, he lamented the lack of acknowledgment of racial issues on campus. Mamdani’s recent political success has ignited debate within the Democratic Party, as he champions progressive policies like city-run grocery stores and police defunding. His victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary positions him as a frontrunner in a predominantly Democratic city.