Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Eliminating Discriminatory Language from Parts of Education Law and Prohibiting Intimidation and Retaliation Against Students

 Legislation (S.6744/A.7981) Removes Archaic Stigmatizing Term 'Incorrigible' to Protect Students     

Legislation (S.6529/A.9391) Prohibits Intimidation and Retaliation Against Students Who File Complaints Against Proprietary Schools     

 Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to protect the rights of students in New York by eliminating a sexist and racist term from certain sections of education law. Legislation (S.6744/A.7981) is intended to address the stigma and historical racial bias of being labelled 'incorrigible' by removing the term from reference in education law. Additionally, Governor Hochul signed legislation (S.6529/A.9391), which explicitly prohibits discrimination, intimidation, and retaliation against proprietary school students who file a complaint or exercise their right of private action.

"It is essential that New York's educational institutions are places where all students, no matter how they look or express themselves, can pursue their fullest potential free from bias and intimidation," Governor Hochul said. "In New York, our diversity is our strength, and this legislation will help ensure that young women, especially young women of color, are not stigmatized by this outdated term and are protected from abuses of power."

Legislation (S.6744/A.7981) is intended to address the stigma of being labelled 'incorrigible' by removing the term from reference in education law. 'Incorrigible,' or 'incapable of being corrected, not reformable' as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a term that has historically been applied to girls of color for behavior that is not stereotypically feminine. This bill aims to right the historical wrongs of racial bias and discrimination that stemmed from use of the word by removing reference to the term "incorrigible" in education law.

Legislation (S.6529/A.9391) prohibits discrimination, intimidation, and retaliation against proprietary school students who file a complaint or exercise their right of private action against such schools. State law currently provides students with the right to file a written complaint against licensed private career school conduct with the State Education Department, as well as providing for a private right of action outside the Education Department's complaint procedure. However, the law does not provide any protections against retaliation for students in proprietary or for-profit colleges. By signing this bill, Governor Hochul has now expanded protections to students in these schools. Students will no longer have to be intimidated or threatened by unscrupulous school administrators or leadership for exercising their legal rights.

Third Avenue Business Improvement District - Visit the South Bronx

 

Third Avenue BID Community Survey Each year Third Avenue Business Improvement District uses a survey to evaluate work & identify community priorities to help chart the vision of the organization and deploy resources. Questions focus on services like sanitation, open space, public safety, public health & homeless outreach, & community programming. As neighbors, we are here to listen Take the 2022 Community Survey

Attorney General James Calls for Full Cancelation of Federal Student Loan Debt

 

In Letter, AG James and Multistate Coalition Urge President Biden

to Cancel All Publicly Held Debts for Student Borrowers

 New York Attorney General Letitia James led a multistate coalition of eight attorneys general in urging U.S. President Joe Biden to fully cancel federal student debt owed by every federal student loan borrower in the country. In a letter to President Biden, Attorney General James and the coalition stress that immediate relief is needed for borrowers struggling with the unmanageable burden of student loan debt. The attorneys general acknowledge the administration’s commitment to addressing the issue, however, the coalition urges President Biden to immediately exercise his authority under the Higher Education Act to cancel all federal student loan debt for every borrower.

“While I commend President Biden for giving serious consideration to forgiving $10,000 per borrower, we must take bolder, more decisive action to end this crisis and provide Americans with the tools they need to thrive,” said Attorney General James. “Student debt keeps millions of struggling borrowers from reaching financial stability and leads to a cycle of financial burdens that follow them throughout their lives. I join my colleagues in urging President Biden to lead one of the most impactful racial and economic justice initiatives in history by canceling this debt, in its entirety, for all.”

Currently, student borrowers owe more than $1.7 trillion to the federal government. In their letter, the coalition argues that a full cancelation of student debt is necessary to address the sheer enormity of debts owed, systemically flawed repayment and forgiveness systems, and the disproportionate impact of the debt burden on millions of borrowers. While state attorneys general have taken key actions to ease debt burdens wherever possible, the coalition contends that only permanent action by the Biden administration can provide the widespread relief that is needed by millions of federal student loan borrowers.

The coalition further argues that the cancelation of federal student loan debts will reduce stress and mental fatigue and provide countless opportunities for borrowers, such as saving for retirement and purchasing new homes.

Joining Attorney General James in sending the letter to President Biden are the attorneys general of Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Washington.

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Preventing Colleges From Withholding Student Transcripts Because Of Unpaid Debts

 

Legislation S.5924-C/A.6938-B Ensures Students Have Access to Transcript Data Necessary to Complete Their Degree and Obtain Employment

Governor Previously Ordered SUNY and CUNY to End this Practice

Accomplishes 2022 State of the State Goal of Ending Transcript Withholding Statewide

 Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation S.5924-C/A.6938-B that prohibits colleges from withholding a student’s transcript because of unpaid debts or charging individuals who owe debts a higher fee to obtain their transcript. This legislation ensures that students can access their transcript when necessary so that they may continue their education or find a job. 

“Transcripts are critical for students to continue pursuing their educational and career goals,” Governor Hochul said. “To hold transcripts hostage until outstanding debts are paid is an unfair, predatory practice that prevents our students from reaching their full potential. I was proud to make ending transcript withholding a top priority and took action to end this practice at SUNY and CUNY in January. Today, we put an end to this abhorrent policy for all higher education institutions to ensure a level playing field for New York’s students.”

The tactic of withholding student transcripts or overcharging for their release has been used by some colleges in the state to leverage collection of outstanding debts, however one is not related to the other. Withholding a student’s transcript is a punitive measure that penalizes students with less resources, while ironically making it more difficult for them to advance in higher education or obtain employment that will allow them to make outstanding payments.

Governor Hochul made the proposal to end this practice in her 2022 State of the State Address. In January, the Governor announced that the SUNY board and CUNY board voted to end the practice.

VIP Community Services' Community Resource Fair - Friday May 13, 2022

 

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES CITY HALL TO BE LIT BLUE AND WHITE TONIGHT IN HONOR OF ISRAELI INDEPENDENCE DAY

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced that City Hall and other municipal buildings will be lit up blue and white tonight in honor of Israeli Independence Day, marking the 74^th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel.

 

“Today, we join in celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day,” said Mayor Adams. “As home to the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel, New York City stands with State of Israel as they mark 74 years as a beacon of hope and opportunity, and join with our collective yearning for peace, security, and the spread of democratic values throughout the Middle East.”

 

In addition to City Hall, the following city buildings will be lit up blue and white starting tonight at sundown:

• The David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building: 1 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007
• Bronx Borough Hall: 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
• Queens Borough Hall: 120-55 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11424
• Staten Island Borough Hall: 10 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301

 

“On behalf of the State of Israel, I want to thank Mayor Eric Adams for this heartwarming gesture,” said Asaf Zamir, Israel’s Consul General in New York City. “These lights demonstrate the eternal strength of the bond between New York City and the State of Israel that will continue to flourish under the mayor’s leadership.”

 

Yom Ha’atzmaut (Day of Independence) marks the day on the Hebrew calendar that corresponds to the day the new State of Israel formally declared its independence in 1948 after the cessation of the British Mandate. It is preceded annually by Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s official memorial day honoring fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism.

 

Statement from The Bronx Democratic Party and Chair Jamaal T. Bailey on Draft Supreme Court Decision Overturning Roe V. Wade

 

"The draft Supreme Court ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade is poised to undo decades of progress on reproductive rights and equality. If this ruling holds in the final decision, it will have dire consequences for the autonomy, safety, and wellbeing of people and care providers across the country and set a dangerous precedent for the preservation of all our fundamental rights. The right to choose is fundamentally an issue of equity. Reversing Roe will not end abortions, it will only make safe legal abortions further out of reach for those who have historically struggled with inequitable access.

The lives and futures of people everywhere are at stake. With abortion access and reproductive rights under attack in states across the country, the draft decision by the Court’s conservative majority is devastating and blatantly regressive. We refuse to go backwards. On behalf of millions of Americans and our collective future, we will not back down in this fight to safeguard and expand the fundamental right to choose in New York and across the country."

Congressman Ritchie Torres - A Quick Reintroduction

 

Did you know that a lot of people don't actually read these emails? I understand, I know inboxes get crowded and everyone is busy. But because of that, I’m sure some of you might feel like you don't know that much about me. So, let me reintroduce myself. Here are 3 things you need to know about me: My name is Ritchie Torres and I am the Congressman representing the Bronx in New York. I was first elected 1 1/2 years ago as the first gay Afro-Latino when my predecessor retired. I am now running for reelection for the first time.   Recent polls show that Democratic voters in my district overwhelmingly support me and my work in Congress.   I am working tirelessly to keep my district and help my Democratic colleagues keep our slim House majority. But with Republicans determined to take back the House, I need your help. Thank you, Ritchie