Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D- 16th District) & Senate Majority Pass Legislation To Support Education Diversity

Albany, NY- The Senate Majority is advancing major legislation to address the inequity in New York schools and support diversity in our education system. The bills advanced will implement ‘Grow Your Own’ initiatives to help more New Yorkers become educators, expand eligible religious holiday observances, determine ways to increase SUNY participation in the Educational Opportunity Program, and provide more support, training, and mentorship opportunities for educators.

Senate Chair of the Committee on Higher Education, Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, said, “New York prides itself on being one of the most ethnically diverse states in the country. It is our different cultures, backgrounds and ethnicities that help enrich our shared experiences. This legislation will help ensure that all of our student populations are well represented in our schools from pre-K through college. By fostering a more diverse teaching community, and creating a more inclusive learning environment, we can help shape a stronger, more unified New York for generations to come.

Senate Chair of the New York City Education Committee and Bill Sponsor, Senator John Liu, said, "While there is a stark lack of diversity among the ranks of New York’s teachers, ‘Grow Your Own’ programs help address teacher shortages and remove barriers for people of color who want to teach.  This bill will help school districts in New York develop 'Grow Your Own' initiatives to increase the number of teachers from diverse communities. Promoting diversity can create an environment that cultivates better ideas and brighter futures for all. In order to progress as a society we must do all we can to update systems that have for far too long neglected to be truly representative of our population.

You can find more information on the legislation advanced by the Senate Democratic Majority here.