Advocates & Leaders Discuss How New York Can Address Education Gaps Amid a Weakening Federal DOE

Bronx, NY – As the Trump administration continues to dismantle U.S. Department of Education, including the office responsible for enforcing students’ civil rights, states across the country, including New York, are left without critical funding and oversight mechanisms that once protected students with disabilities..  

In response, elected officials, including Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia and Senator Luis Sepúlveda, joined New York City Department of Education representatives, legal advocates, community organizations, parents and students for a community roundtable at J.H.S. 118 in the Bronx last week to discuss what New York State can do to better protect students’ rights, including more transparency measures, supplemental state funding, and stronger efforts to reduce the disproportionate discipline of Black and brown students and students with disabilities in NYC public schools.

“When schools listen and keep communication open, it changes everything,” said Maribel Gonzalez, parent to a 5th and 8th grader in the Bronx. “I’ve felt the most supported when my voice was taken seriously and I was included in conversations about my child’s progress. Not every experience has been like that, but seeing families, educators, and advocates come together today gives me real hope. Our children do better when we’re all working together.”

See photos of the event here. 

Key ideas discussed at the roundtable include: 

• Whether New York State can step in to fill the funding gap for special-education services if IDEA and Title 1 funding shrinks; 
• The need for statewide reporting on disciplinary processes involving students with disabilities, in particular Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs) including clearer documentation and data collection, and greater access for families to understand how decisions are made 
• Questions about where families can now bring discrimination claims after the federal DOE’s Office of Civil Rights in New York City has been shuttered; 
• How New York State will address the higher rates of suspension of Black and brown students and students with disabilities 
• The role of data in both holding systems accountable and giving parents the information they need to advocate for their children 

Participants discussed ways to think about and tackle these concerns and vowed to keep the conversation going as they explored solutions in the year to come, including looking at other supports needed to alleviate disparities and help students to be successful in their learning environment, such as funding for restorative justice, healing centered schools, and specialized programs for students with autism. 

“Deep staffing cuts, stalled Title I and IDEA funding, and the elimination of federal oversight have created a civil rights vacuum that state and city systems must now navigate.” said Michaela Shuchman, a staff attorney in Legal Services NYC’s Bronx office. “Our hope is that this event inspires even greater collaboration between New York City Public Schools, parents, community advocates, and state and city elected officials to protect the rights of all students to receive a meaningful and empowering education.” 

“As someone who came to this country over 30 years ago and has fought for my community ever since, I know how much families depend on strong public schools and a system that protects every child,” said Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia. “When federal protections weaken, it is our children with disabilities who are placed at the greatest risk. New York cannot wait for federal action, we have to make sure our students are protected right now. That is why I introduced A9320 the Manifestation Determination Review bill which will increase accountability and transparency in how students with disabilities are disciplined.”

“With federal oversight and civil rights protections for students with disabilities under threat, New York has a responsibility to step up—and I am committed to ensuring we do just that. As Senate sponsor of the Manifestation Determination Review bill, I am working towards strengthening state oversight, increasing transparency, and ensuring that every school has the resources needed so no child is ever punished for their disability or denied the support they deserve,” said State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda. “These safeguards are civil rights protections, and here in New York, they are non-negotiable. As a member of the New York City Education Committee at the State Senate, I will continue advocating for dedicated state funding, uniform statewide standards, and stronger accountability to ensure IDEA protections remain fully enforceable in New York. My priority is simple: to make sure every child, no matter their disability or zip code, receives the dignified, supportive, and inclusive education they are entitled to.” 

To schedule an interview with roundtable participants or to find out more, contact Anna Sterling at [email protected] or 646-442-3317. 

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Legal Services NYC fights poverty and seeks racial, social, and economic justice for low-income New Yorkers. For over 50 years, LSNYC has challenged systemic injustices that trap people in poverty and helped clients meet basic needs for housing, income and economic security, family and immigration stability, education, and health care. Our staff of dedicated advocates have deep roots in the communities we serve so New Yorkers and their families can access the services, resources, and protections they need to survive. www.legalservicesnyc.org