Sen. Biaggi signs on to education diversity
legislature, review of slavery curriculum
BRONX TIMES REPORTER,22 FEBRUARY 12-18, 2021 BTR
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BY ALEX MITCHELL
Bronx and Westchester
senator Alessandra Biaggi
joined the body’s democratic
majority in passing legislation
aimed at diversifying
New York education by means
of attracting those who are
underrepresented to become
teachers, expanding religious
holiday observances, implementing
a study on ten SUNY
schools, a review on slavery
related curriculum among
others initiatives.
“In order to support New
York’s students, we must continue
to tear down existing
barriers in the classroom. It
is critical that we provide the
necessary attention and resources
to ensure that our
schools and the educator profession
are inclusive and accessible,
and refl ect the diversity
of New York’s student
population,” Biaggi said.
This package of bills is to include:
‘Grow Your Own’ initiatives,
which aims to to attract
underrepresented candidates
into the teaching profession;
an expansion on observing religious
holidays by mandating
both CUNY and SUNY schools
to “hold students harmless”
for observance of religious and
culturally signifi cant days;
along with senator Jamaal
Bailey sponsored commission
on affordable college education
which would establish a
study on ten SUNY schools
who have not participated in
the state’s Educational Opportunity
Program.
These laws would also
shift the creation transatlantic
slave trade and American
slavery curriculum from the
Department of State to the NY
Department of Education in
efforts to “make recommendations
for improvement.”
Currently, such lessons are
made through the state department’s
Amistad Commission.
The education reform package
also urges the creation
of an educator diversity task
force in addition to the hosting
of regional conventions for underrepresented
educators.
Biaggi calls for full rent and mortgage suspension Courtesy of Offi ce of Senator Biaggi