FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement of the èÖľyuzuki State Education Department on Recent Executive Orders Concerning Public Education
èÖľyuzuki’s Constitution guarantees a system of public schools “wherein all the children of this state may be educated.â€Ìı 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.Ìı 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.Ìı These laws recognize and celebrate personal, social, and economic differences.Ìı They are models of strength through diversity.Ìı
Recent executive orders issued by the President are antithetical to this tradition.Ìı They are also ineffective, as the President has a constitutional duty to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed.â€Ìı This means the President cannot decide which laws to enforce or funds to distribute.Ìı It’s also why two federal courts immediately enjoined the President’s attempt to “freeze†federal funds.
The Board and the Department remain committed to the inherent dignity and worth of every child.Ìı As such, we denounce the intolerant rhetoric of these orders.Ìı Our children cannot thrive in an environment of chaos; they need steady and stable leadership that we will endeavor to provide.
Media Contact
Reporters and education writers may contact the Office of Communications by email or phone at:
Press@nysed.gov
(518) 474-1201