In 1958, Robert F. Wagner Jr., mayor of New York City, named Taylor to the New York City Board of Education, the second black member in its history. In a three-year tenure, he attacked segregation in city schools and argued that federal aid should be denied to private schools while public schools were desperate for funds.
In 1958, Robert F. Wagner Jr., mayor of New York City, chose Taylor for the New York City Board of Education, a significant appointment as the second African American member in its history. During his three-year tenure, he forcefully opposed segregation in city schools and argued that federal aid should be denied to private institutions while public schools were struggling financially.