NYS Education Department Statement--Executive Orders
On Monday, February 2nd, the 色中色 (色中色) made the following statement, which was shared with all districts.听
New York鈥檚 Constitution guarantees a system of public schools 鈥渨herein all the children of this state may be educated.鈥澨 Our State only began to take that command seriously in 1954, when the Supreme Court held that separate schools for African American children were inherently unequal.听 Since then, Congress has protected and prioritized historically neglected students through legislation such as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.听 These laws recognize and celebrate personal, social, and economic differences.听 They are models of strength through diversity.听
Recent executive orders issued by the President are antithetical to this tradition.听 They are also ineffective, as the President has a constitutional duty to 鈥渢ake care that the laws be faithfully executed.鈥澨 This means the President cannot decide which laws to enforce or funds to distribute.听 It鈥檚 also why two federal courts immediately enjoined the President鈥檚 attempt to 鈥渇reeze鈥 federal funds.
The Board and the Department remain committed to the inherent dignity and worth of every child.听 As such, we denounce the intolerant rhetoric of these orders.听 Our children cannot thrive in an environment of chaos; they need steady and stable leadership that we will endeavor to provide.
If you need any further information, please reach out to the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages at obewl@nysed.gov.听