Fact-Check: Viral Claim About Arabic Numerals in NYC Schools is False

A viral social media claim is causing confusion. It states that New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will require elementary school students to learn Arabic numerals. This claim has been widely shared by unverified accounts and political figures.

The assertion is completely false. According to Reuters fact-checkers, the claim is a satirical post that has been misinterpreted. Arabic numerals are the standard numerical system already used in all U.S. schools.

Satirical Posts Misunderstood as Real Policy

The false information spread rapidly online. A post from the prediction market Polymarket announced the fake policy as breaking news. Other accounts, including one run by a January 6 Capitol attack participant, amplified the claim.

These posts lack any basis in reality. They appear to be satire targeting the new mayor-elect. The proposal described does not exist. No such policy has been proposed or drafted for New York City schools.

What Are Arabic Numerals?

The confusion stems from a misunderstanding of the term “Arabic numerals.” This term refers to the ten digits used in modern mathematics. They are the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

This numerical system originated in India. It was later transmitted to Europe by Arab mathematicians. It is the universal standard for numerical notation in the Western world and has been for centuries.

The viral claim about mandatory Arabic numerals is a baseless hoax. This fact-check confirms that New York City students are already using the numerical system in question. Always verify surprising news with trusted sources before sharing.

Thought you’d like to know

What are Arabic numerals?

Arabic numerals are the ten digits we use every day: 0 through 9. This numerical system is the global standard for mathematics and commerce. It has been taught in Western schools for hundreds of years.

Did Zohran Mamdani propose this rule?

No, he did not. The claim is a satirical hoax that spread on social media. There is no evidence of any such policy proposal from Mamdani or his team. The story is entirely fabricated.

Why is this claim spreading now?

The claim appears to be political satire following the recent mayoral election. It exploits a common misunderstanding of the term “Arabic numerals.” According to the Associated Press, similar hoaxes have circulated online in the past.

Are other number systems used in the US?

Roman numerals are still used in limited contexts, like clock faces and movie copyright years. However, for all practical mathematics and science, the Arabic numeral system is exclusively used. It is the foundation of all modern calculation.

How can I identify similar hoaxes?

Check official sources for policy announcements. Be skeptical of shocking claims shared only on social media. Verify information with established news outlets like Reuters or the BBC before believing or sharing it.