NYC Council Votes to Expand Availability of Rapid STI Testing Sites

 

Council also voted on legislation to address inequities in public school dress code policies

The New York City Council voted on legislation to expand the availability of rapid testing sites for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across the city, representing a critical next step in citywide efforts to reduce rates of STIs and HIV. Currently, rapid testing is only provided at two clinics, but the bill will require the City to double the number of sites over the next three years.

The Council also voted on legislation that would address inequities in public school dress code policies. Dress code policies in NYC Department of Education (DOE) schools vary widely, and students and advocates have reported that some school dress code policies have unfairly targeted and criminalized LGBTQ+ students and students of color. This was a concern also raised by youth advocates as part of the Young Women’s Initiative 2.0, an initiative dedicated to improving outcomes for young women and girls. The bill and resolution voted on today aim to improve transparency and promote policies that protect students from sexist and heteronormative dress codes and the enforcement of standards that target girls and students of color.

“Expanding health services to meet the needs of New Yorkers in their communities has always been a priority for this Council,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “With the passage of today’s legislation, more residents will soon have greater access to rapid STI testing that can prevent unnecessary spread and transmission. The Council is also taking steps to help address inequities within our public school system’s dress code policies, a concern raised by youth advocates as part of the Council’s Young Women’s Initiative 2.0. By requiring greater transparency and calling for inclusivity in the dress code, our legislation can help advance anti-discrimination protections that support all students. I thank my Council colleagues for their leadership and support on these important bills.”

Expanding Availability of Rapid Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections

Introduction 435-A, sponsored by Council Member Pierina Sanchez, would require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to make available rapid testing services for sexually transmitted infections in at least 4 boroughs. DOHMH would be required to determine the locations for rapid testing services and report to the Council on the considerations that went into making those determinations. DOHMH would also be required to conduct an education campaign to inform communities about the locations and availability of rapid testing services, and to report to the Council annually for 3 years on the availability of rapid testing services throughout New York City.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, racial inequities in sexually transmitted infection rates have skyrocketed, most harshly impacting New Yorkers at the intersection of Black, Latino, low-income and LGBTQ+ communities,” said Council Member Pierina Sanchez. “In NYC, Black and African American people and Latinx people made up more than 80% new HIV infections in 2022. The Bronx in particular suffers from the highest rate of HIV infection and deaths across New York State’s 62 counties, the highest rate of chlamydia infections, and the second-high rates of gonorrhea in the five boroughs. Study after CDC study has shown these inequities are not about risk behaviors but are a direct result of a lack of access to testing, prevention, treatment and care. That is why the passage of Int. 435 is so important. By expanding access to rapid STI testing in partnership with community-based organizations with the ability to reach the most impacted communities, we are taking an essential step in addressing horrific inequities in STI infection rates and investing in the long-term health of the people of New York City. It is time to ensure everyone has access to the life-saving services they need.”

Requiring Transparency and Addressing Inclusivity in NYC Department of Education’s Dress Code Policies

Dress code policies in DOE schools vary widely, as schools are permitted to adopt individual dress code policies at their own discretion. Despite existing regulations, students and advocates have reported that some school dress code policies have unfairly targeted and criminalized LGBTQ+ students and students of color. Increased transparency around school dress code policies provides needed oversight to ensure that these policies establish non-discriminatory protections for students.

Introduction 118-A, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, would require the Department of Education (DOE) to post dress code policies on its website and report on dress code policies in DOE schools for five years, including information about whether each school has a dress code policy and data on dress code violations and penalties, broken down by month, week, and student race and gender.

“Uneven dress code policies in New York City public schools have led to disproportionate discipline and consequences for students simply expressing themselves,” said Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala. “Students and families should have the opportunity to easily access any school’s dress code policy in a central location on the Department of Education’s website and determine if their individual schools’ policies are truly non-discriminatory and aligned with DOE guidelines. My hope is that this transparency will bring us towards consistent, inclusive and fair policies across our school system that do not unjustly target our students.”