A.G. Underwood Files Suit Against Nine Student Loan Debt Relief Companies For Costly Student Loan Scam

Companies Contacted Borrowers through Direct Mail, Facebook Ads, and Telemarketing – Falsely Claiming to be Affiliated with Federal Government; Making Multiple Misrepresentations to Get Consumers to Enroll; and Charging Illegal Fees and Usurious Interest Rates 

Defendants Typically Charged Consumers Over $1,000 Each for Services Borrowers Can Get for Free

  Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood announced a lawsuit against nine student loan debt relief companies, their financing company, and two individuals with leadership roles in several of the companies. The lawsuit, filed in New York Supreme Court, alleges that the defendants fraudulently, deceptively, and illegally advertise, market, offer for sale, sell, and finance student debt relief services to thousands of consumers nationwide, including thousands of New Yorkers. 

The complaint alleges multiple law violations, including that defendants falsely claim to be affiliated with the federal government, make multiple misrepresentations to induce consumers to enroll in their services, and charge consumers illegal upfront fees and/or usurious interest rates. Defendants typically charge a consumer more than $1,000 for their services, which are available for free through the federal government or the consumer’s student loan servicer.

“New Yorkers are already struggling under a mountain of student loan debt,” said Attorney General Underwood. “These companies sought to line their own pockets by taking advantage of students who were simply trying to pay for their education. My office will continue to do everything in our power to protect students – and all New Yorkers – from predatory scammers.”

New Yorkers’ student loan debt is estimated at $86.54 billion, according to a 2017 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report. The U.S. Department of Education estimates that 92% of all outstanding student loans are federal student loans.

The student loan debt relief companies named in the lawsuit are Debt Resolve, Inc.; Hutton Ventures, LLC; Progress Advocates, LLC; Progress Advocates Group, LLC; Student Advocates, LLC; Student Advocates Group, LLC; Student Advocates Team, LLC; Student Loan Care, LLC; and Student Loan Support LLC (collectively, “student loan relief defendants”). Debt Resolve, Inc., a New York company, is the majority owner of two of the other student loan debt relief entities. The two named individuals are Bruce Bellmare and Stanley E. Freimuth, the current and past CEOs of Debt Resolve, Inc. The financing company named in the lawsuit is Equitable Acceptance Corporation.

The lawsuit alleges that the student loan debt relief defendants contact borrowers in a number of ways, including through deceptive personalized direct mail solicitations that appear to come from the federal government and deceptive Facebook ads that claim as “breaking news” that certain United States Department of Education (“DOE”) programs were recently approved by the federal government, when in fact they were passed years ago.  

The lawsuit further alleges that these defendants then rely on “Student Loan Advisors” to sell student loan debt-relief agreements to consumers by phone. Despite holding themselves out as being knowledgeable about student loans, these so-called Student Loan Advisors are in reality telemarketers with no specialized experience or expertise, who sell virtually identical student loan debt-relief agreements to borrowers using the same sales scripts and pitches. Student Loan Advisors repeatedly make false and deceptive misrepresentations to consumers such as:

• telling borrowers that they are from the federal government, are a part of the federal student loan program, are working with the federal student loan program, or are working with a federal student loan servicer – when in fact, they are not affiliated with the federal government or student loan servicers;
• telling borrowers that they cannot enroll in the debt-relief services offered on their own – when in fact, borrowers can work directly with their servicers or use the DOE website to obtain student loan debt-relief services at no additional cost; and 
• telling borrowers that they can eliminate their student loan debt by making a number of payments to one of the defendants – when in fact, making these payments will not reduce, let alone eliminate, their student loan debt.

As detailed in the suit, some consumers stop making payments on their loans because they are led to believe that their payments to defendants are paying their student loans. These consumers ultimately owe more on their student loans due to the missed payments.  

Defendants typically charge consumers more than $1,000 each for their services. In recent years, defendants have required that consumers enter into financing agreements with defendant Equitable Acceptance Corporation. The lawsuit alleges that these financing agreements typically charge New York consumers 20.99% interest, above the New York civil usury rate cap of 16%. The lawsuit also alleges that defendants violate federal and New York State laws designed to protect consumers from fraudulent credit repair organizations, telemarketers, and consumer credit agreements.  

The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, a declaration that defendants’ contracts with borrowers are null and void, restitution, damages, disgorgement, penalties, and costs.

The New York Legal Assistance Group (“NYLAG”), along with the law firm of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLC, also recently filed a class action against Equitable Acceptance Corporation and several other companies, alleging that they sell scam debt relief services to tens of thousands of federal student loan borrowers.

“The victims of Equitable Acceptance Corporation and its business partners are among the millions of vulnerable student loan borrowers already struggling to make ends meet,” said Danielle Tarantolo, Co-Director of NYLAG’s Special Litigation Unit. “We commend the New York Attorney General for seeking to stop these companies’ fraud and return their ill-gotten gains to borrowers.”

DOE offers a number of programs to help borrowers who are having difficulty paying back their federal student loans. DOE offers these programs to borrowers free of charge, including loan deferment and forbearance, income-based repayment programs, and loan forgiveness programs. Borrowers can learn about and, where necessary, fill out an application to enroll in these options, at no cost, by contacting their federal loan servicer or by going to DOE’s student loan website. Helpful information about student loans is also available on the New York Attorney General’s website.

Student loan borrowers who believe they have been defrauded are urged to file a complaint with the Attorney General online, or call (800) 771-7755 to have a complaint form sent via mail.

TWO MEN INDICTED FOR 1997 STRANGULATION MURDER IN THE BRONX

Cold Case Solved This Year After DNA Hit 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that two men have been indicted in a strangulation that occurred in the Bronx in 1997. The defendants were apprehended after their DNA was matched to the murder scene. 

  District Attorney Clark said, “The defendants acted together to allegedly kill the 20-year old victim, and her body was left in a vacant lot. The murder happened 21 years ago, but today’s indictment sends a clear message that we will pursue justice no matter how much time has passed.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendants, Christopher Dickerson, 42, of 45 Berkman Drive, Middletown, N.Y., and Glenn Broadnax, 40, of 100 Martin Luther King Jr. Place, Brooklyn, were arraigned on second-degree Murder before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. Remand was continued for both defendants and they are due back in court on January 11, 2019.

 According to the investigation, on March 17, 1997, the defendants allegedly caused the death of Warren White, who identified as a woman named Amanda. The defendants allegedly strangled White with an electrical cord. Her body was found in a lot at 1670 Boston Road, wrapped in a blanket and with the cord still around the neck.

 District Attorney Clark thanked retired NYPD Detective Hector Gonzalez, and Detective Malcolm Reiman and Detective Mitchell Geist of the Bronx Homicide Squad for their assistance in the investigation. 

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

Bronx Democratic County Committee Call and Judicial Convention

  The best part of the night had to come in the third act as you see Assemblyman (and former Bronx Democratic County Leader) Jose Rivera praising current Bronx Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo, while not missing the chance to get in jabs at Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and County Legal Advisor Stanley Schlein. Rivera said he was called a Communist while he was the county leader, but now the word is Socialist, referring to the two most recent women who defeated longtime incumbent male opponents in the Congress and State Senate. Assemblyman Marcos Crespo was voted in unanimously as the Bronx Democratic County Leader. County Leader Crespo welcomed in the new 87th A.D. District Leader John Perez on his victory primary day.

  As for the Judicial Convention, there were news reports of soon to be former State Senator Jeff Klein receiving a judgeship, but County Leader Marcos Crespo gave a scathing speech naming one reporter Zack Fink of NY 1 in particular who was saying that. Crespo in fact said that is not the way the Bronx Democratic Party does business. While he admitted that he supported Senator Klein that Klein was not to be rewarded with a judgeship tonight.

The eight Supreme Court Judge nominations were judges Robert Torres and Mary Ann Regante renominated for their current positions. For the other positions to replace retiring Judges the following were nominated, Elizabeth Taylor, Jenatte Rosado, Eddie McShane, Ben Barbato, Julio Montano, and Marsha Michael.

The County Committee Call on the other hand did not go as smooth as planned. When it came to the position of Secretary of the BDCC there was a vote that went heavily for the current Secretary Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. as to the Vice-Chairs of the BDCC there were two slates presented for the 21 positions allowed in the by-laws. A vote was called for to use either the two slate system or to vote for all 21 Vice-Chairs, with the two slate system winning overwhelmingly. The slate headed by Kenny Agosto won over the slate led by Michael Beltzer.

  Mr. Beltzer said that he knew that he did not have enough votes to elect anyone, but wanted to make a statement, which he said he did with County Leader Crespo acknowledging his efforts.

DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL CONVENE WATERFRONT MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD

Board kicks off planning efforts for the NYC Comprehensive Waterfront Plan to be released in 2020; NYC’s 520 Miles of diverse shoreline are home to maritime and industrial businesses, residential neighborhoods and parks

  Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson announced that the Waterfront Management Advisory Board held its first meeting and formally launched the start of the planning process for the next Comprehensive Waterfront Plan, due to be published in 2020.

“New Yorkers are turning to the water in ways we haven’t seen in a century. With the ongoing success of NYC Ferry, new businesses and homes, it’s critical that we create a comprehensive plan that helps us build a more fair and resilient city,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

The board members will advise the administration on matters related to New York City waterfront and waterways, and provide guidance to the Department of City Planning (DCP) on the development of the Comprehensive Waterfront Plan. This plan, published every 10 years, provides a vision for the city’s waterfront for the next decade and beyond. DCP anticipates beginning broader public engagement on the plan in early 2019.

New York City has approximately 520 miles of waterfront, ranging from the wetlands of Jamaica Bay to the Port facilities on the North Shore of Staten Island and the urbanized waterfront edges of the Bronx, Queens and Lower Manhattan. The City’s waterfront renewal has been remarkable, including for the creation of housing, new businesses and jobs, parks and, with NYC Ferry, transportation.

New Yorkers are turning to the water in ways we haven’t seen in a century. With the ongoing success of NYC Ferry, new businesses and homes, it’s critical that we create a comprehensive plan that helps us a build a more fair and resilient city.

“Even though it’s been nearly six years since Sandy, the lessons of that deadly storm are front and center in our hearts and minds as we focus on crafting a plan that protects and reflects the distinctiveness of New York City’s amazing waterfront,” said DCP Director Marisa Lago. “We’re excited to tap into the expertise and enthusiasm of the members of the Waterfront Management Advisory Board as we tackle the wide variety of issues facing the city’s waterfront today and into the future.”

“The city’s 520 miles of waterfront is simultaneously one of the City’s greatest resources and challenges. I’m excited to tap the expertise of the Board members and engage the Board on how to increase equity of access, job opportunities, public safety and resiliency along the waterfront.  By tackling these questions with the Waterfront Management Advisory Board and the larger public, we’ll craft a Comprehensive Waterfront Plan that keeps our shores strong for years to come,” said Michael L. Marrella, DCP Director of Waterfront and Open Space and Chair of the Waterfront Management Advisory Board. 

“New York City’s vast waterfront is a unique asset that deserves careful stewardship. The next Comprehensive Waterfront Plan is an critical opportunity to integrate resilience with other important waterfront functions, such as recreation, transportation, housing, and jobs,” said Jainey Bavishi, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency. “I look forward to engaging with the Waterfront Management Advisory Board to craft a plan that benefits neighborhoods, businesses, and all New Yorkers while strengthening the city’s 520 miles of waterfront.”

The members include:

•           Eric Johansson, SUNY Maritime

•           Mychal Johnson, South Bronx Unite

•           Katina Johnstone, Staten Island Kayak

•           Edward Kelly, Maritime Association of NY/NJ Harbor

•           Aaron Koffman, The Hudson Company

•           Roland Lewis, Waterfront Alliance

•           Pete Malinowski, Billion Oyster Project

•           Geeta Mehta, Columbia University Professor

•           Michael Northrop, Rockefeller Brothers Fund

•           Kate Orff, SCAPE Landscape Architects

•           Kelly Vilar, Staten Island Urban Center

•           Peggy Shepard, WE ACT for Environmental Justice

•           Mandu Sen, Regional Plan Association

•           Kellie Terry, Surdna Foundation

•           Gerald "Jay" Valgora, Studio V Architects

•           Henry Wan, NY Dragon Boat Festival

•           Judith Weis, Rutgers University

Wave Hill Events October 4‒October 11 Raptors on Columbus Day!

Sat, October 6

Family Art Project: Raptors Take Flight!

Make your own movable raptor puppet or windsock resembling the migrating hawks and other raptors circling and gliding above the Hudson River. With the winds at our back, we’ll form a procession of raptor puppets in flight, leading up to an outdoor group-soar! Monday is Wings over Wave Hill Day! Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, October 6

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Sat, October 6

Gallery Tour

Learn about Glyndor Gallery exhibitions on a tour led by Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow. In a new collaboration, Wave Hill is partnering with the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA) to produce and host ASBA’s 21st Annual International. ASBA’s mission is to provide a thriving, interactive community dedicated to perpetuating the tradition and contemporary practice of botanical art. This juried exhibition consists of two-dimensional original botanical art, including some specimens found at Wave Hill. In the Sunroom Project Space, Ashton Agbomenou’s new project stems from his time in Wave Hill’s 2018 Winter Workspace. Seeking synchronicity in the African diaspora, Agbomenou constructs visual mementos through his collage-like, layered-painting process, drawing inspiration from Wave Hill’s natural resources. Bronx-born, Dominican-American artist Yelaine Rodriguez works on a new series for the Sun Porch. Using photography, video and performance, Rodriguez creates a unique narrative that examines self-identity and draws inspiration from the colors and textures in nature and from her experience of Wave Hill’s landscape during the 2018 Winter Workspace program. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Sun, October 7

Family Art Project: Raptors Take Flight!

Make your own movable raptor puppet or windsock resembling the migrating hawks and other raptors circling and gliding above the Hudson River. With the winds at our back, we’ll form a procession of raptor puppets in flight, leading up to an outdoor group-soar! Monday is Wings over Wave Hill Day! Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, October 7

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Mon, October 8

In The Shop: FREE Bird Stickers or Bookmarks with $50 Purchase

On Wings over Wave Hill Day, enjoy a wide selection of merchandise inspired by our avian friends, and the gift of bird stickers or bookmarks with your $50 purchase. Wings over Wave Hill Day event.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

Mon, October 8

Migration Information Station

Where are they going? Look out over the Hudson River to see raptors and other birds soaring over Wave Hill during peak, fall migration. Try to stump naturalist Gabriel Willow with your birding questions and find out which birds stay and which birds go. Free with admission to the grounds. Wings over Wave Hill Day event.

ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM–1PM

Mon, October 8

Falconry Presentation: Skyhunters in Flight

Back by popular demand, master falconer Brian Bradley and his beautiful and beloved raptors are here for a live-bird presentation! Watch hawks, falcons and owls sharpen their hunting skills during an exciting outdoor flight demonstration. Hear about the ancient sport of falconry and see live raptors from around the world. Free with admission to the grounds.Wings over Wave Hill Day event.

ON THE GROUNDS, 1PM

Mon, October 8

Columbus Day Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide on this special, holiday Monday for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Tue, October 9

Art Workshop Series Begins: Spontaneity and Planning—A Photographic State of Mind   SOLD OUT

Whether far away or close to home, in large, public arenas or in private gardens, photographers must react quickly and make spontaneous decisions in unexpected circumstances. Join photographer Benjamin Swett in exploring how to prepare for the unexpected, and learning how photography is as much about making a photograph as it is about taking it. This six-session series continues Tuesdays, October 16, 23, 30, November 13 and 20. $280. Wave Hill Members save 10%. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

Tue, October 9

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Tue, October 9

Gallery Tour

Learn about Glyndor Gallery exhibitions on a tour led by Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow. In a new collaboration, Wave Hill is partnering with the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA) to produce and host ASBA’s 21st Annual International. ASBA’s mission is to provide a thriving, interactive community dedicated to perpetuating the tradition and contemporary practice of botanical art. This juried exhibition consists of two-dimensional original botanical art, including some specimens found at Wave Hill. In the Sunroom Project Space, Ashton Agbomenou’s new project stems from his time in Wave Hill’s 2018 Winter Workspace. Seeking synchronicity in the African diaspora, Agbomenou constructs visual mementos through his collage-like, layered-painting process, drawing inspiration from Wave Hill’s natural resources. Bronx-born, Dominican-American artist Yelaine Rodriguez works on a new series for the Sun Porch. Using photography, video and performance, Rodriguez creates a unique narrative that examines self-identity and draws inspiration from the colors and textures in nature and from her experience of Wave Hill’s landscape during the 2018 Winter Workspace program. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–5:30PM,  March 15–October 31. Closes 4:30PM, starting November 1.

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

  

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND CHANCELLOR CARRANZA ANNOUNCE DISTRICT 15 MIDDLE SCHOOL DIVERSITY PLAN AND LAUNCH $2M SCHOOL DIVERSITY GRANT PROGRAM

   Mayor de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza announced the next steps in the City’s school diversity plan – approving a diversity plan to increase middle school diversity in Brooklyn’s District 15 after a year-long community-driven process and proposal, and launching a $2 million school diversity grant program for other school districts and communities across the City to develop their own community-driven diversity plans.

The Mayor and Chancellor also announced that the City’s independent School Diversity Advisory Group will continue to advise the City after issuing its initial report this December. 

“We believe that our schools can reflect our whole city and we are proud to support and invest in the future of New Yorkers for generations to come. This isn’t going to be one size fits all. This is a ripe moment and this community built a powerful grassroots plan. Now, we have to execute and deliver on it to show parents across the city this approach can work,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“The research is clear – integrated schools benefit all students,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. “There’s a groundswell of support from parents, educators, and students across the City, and today, we’re taking a real step towards integration in District 15 and citywide. I’m going to be working closely with Districts 1, 3, and 15 to implement their plans, and encouraging superintendents and school leaders across the City to take on this work in their communities.” 

District 15

Last school year, as part of the citywide school diversity plan, Equity & Excellence for All: Diversity in New York City Public Schools, the DOE supported District 1 and District 3 in Manhattan to develop and launch the City’s first districtwide diversity plans.

In August 2017, the District 15 community began to develop a plan that would create more diverse and meaningfully integrated middle schools, and further support school quality in Brooklyn’s District 15, which includes Boerum Hill, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Fort Greene, Gowanus, Kensington, Park Slope, Sunset Park, Red Hook, and Windsor Terrace. Working with the urban planning firm WXY, the DOE convened a 16-member Working Group to help the community – including District 15 educators, parents, a Community Education Council member, advocates, and representatives of community-based organizations. The Working Group led the process of the developing the plan, which included four public workshops, several additional meetings, and community outreach. The Working Group released final recommendations in August 2018.

The approved District 15 diversity plan will become the City’s second districtwide middle-school diversity plan. It will go into effect for students entering 6^th grade in fall 2019, and has two primary components (admissions changes and additional supports): 

1)      The District 15 middle school diversity plan will remove screens from all middle schools, and will prioritize 52% of 6^th-grade seats for students from low-income families, English Language Learners, and students in temporary housing.

Previously, ten of District 15’s 11 middle schools used a screened admissions method, which meant they considered students’ grades, test scores, attendance, and/or other factors when making matches.

2)      The City will invest $500,000 to support the admissions changes, including resources to support teachers and schools.

The DOE will create a District 15 Middle School Admissions Coordinator position and Outreach Team that will call all families of 5^th graders in the district with information about District 15 middle schools and their unique offerings. They will also visit and host community meetings and information sessions throughout the year to share information about the diversity plan and the district’s middle schools.

The DOE will also create a District 15 Diversity, Equity, and Integration Coordinator position and provide funding for teacher training and the arts, technology, and supports for middle schools in the district as needed.

The District 15 diversity plan has the unanimous support of the district’s elementary and middle school principals. The plan will be continuously reviewed to ensure it is advancing the goals of diversity, equity, and student achievement in the district.

“In District 15, we believe that our children should learn together and that’s why our parents and educators are so excited about this plan. District 15 parents have always been committed to providing great learning opportunities for all children,” said District 15 Superintendent Anita Skop. “All of our District 15 middle schools are strong, and this is an opportunity for more of our students to attend the school that’s right for them. The current process is intense and difficult for such young children, and the changes are going to make it better for students, families, and educators across the district.”

$2 Million Diversity Grant Program

Using the work in District 15 as a model, the City will launch a $2 million grant program for other school districts and communities across the City to develop their own community-driven diversity plans.

The $2 million will primarily be used to support community planning processes similar to the one in District 15, including engaging community planning firms with expertise in this work, selecting and developing Working Groups, hosting community meetings and providing materials and translation, and developing final proposals.

School districts will be able to apply for the grant this fall. We expect approximately 10 districts to participate in this round of grants.

The new $2 million grant program also draws from initial discussions of the City’s independent School Diversity Advisory Group. The Advisory Group will remain in place to support implementation and share recommendations into 2019 and beyond.

Research

The research is clear that all students benefit from diverse, inclusive schools and classrooms where all students, families, and school staff are supported and welcomed.

·A 2016 report from the Century Foundation reported that “school integration – by race and socioeconomic status – is good for children.” This report also notes that there is widespread agreement that there are positive academic outcomes for all students attending racially diverse schools, including reductions in racial achievement gaps.¹

·Attending integrated schools is also associated with higher rates of high school completion for nonwhite students.²

·The National Center for Education Statistics found that white students do just as well academically in schools with high proportions of black students as in schools with low proportions of black students.³

·Integrated classrooms have been shown to enhance students’ critical thinking skills and intellectual engagement as they encounter peers from diverse backgrounds.⁴

·In another report, the Century Foundation found that setting clear, district-wide diversity goals played an important role in successful school integration efforts.⁵

These next steps in the City’s diversity plan are central to the Mayor and Chancellor’s Equity and Excellence for All agenda.

Together, the Equity and Excellence for All initiatives are building a pathway to success in college and careers for all students. Our schools are starting earlier – free, full-day, high-quality education for three-year-olds and four-year-olds through 3-K for All and Pre-K for All. They are strengthening foundational skills and instruction earlier – Universal Literacy so that every student is reading on grade level by the end of 2nd grade; and Algebra for All to improve elementary- and middle-school math instruction and ensure that all 8th graders have access to algebra. They are offering students more challenging, hands-on, college and career-aligned coursework – Computer Science for All brings 21st-century computer science instruction to every school, and AP for All will give all high school students access to at least five Advanced Placement courses. Along the way, they are giving students and families additional support through College Access for All, Single Shepherd, and investment in Community Schools. Efforts to create more diverse and inclusive classrooms, including Equity & Excellence for All: Diversity in New York City Public Schools are central to this pathway.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

As a former parent leader all the way up to the Chancellor's Parent Advisory Council, New York City public school parents have advised past chancellors on the problems of the New York City Public schools. 

It gives me no confidence in this new Chancellor Richard Carranza when I ask him why Bronx public schools are lagging behind in performance when compared to all New York City public schools.

Chancellor Carranza answered me that he and the mayor know that Bronx public schools are not performing up to where they should be, but he is new here, give him some time, and he would get back to me. I replied those were the same exact words that then Chancellor Joel Klein told parents when he was made Chancellor of the public schools eighteen years ago. 

The very next week after answering me that he was new here, Chancellor Carranza became an expert on the Specialized High Schools. 

I have lost any confidence I may of had in this new public school Chancellor to run the New York City public school system, as he is incapable of knowing the real problems of the New York City public school system.

BP DIAZ HOSTS ANNUAL ECUADORIAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION

  On Thursday, September 20, 2018, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted his annual Ecuadorian Heritage Celebration. recognizing the country’s culture and honoring individuals who have greatly contributed to New York City and The Bronx. The event took place at The Bronx County Building, Veterans’ Memorial Hall, and was co-hosted by Abriendo Brecha International.

Among the honorees were Luis Quishpi -- Governor of the province of Cañar, entrepreneur Walter Cullispuma, Luis Montalvo -- Executive Board member of Local 79, and Jorge Merchan -- President of the Comité Civico Ecuatoriano.

“Ecuadorans have made many great contributions to the civic and cultural life of our borough and our city,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “We are a nation of immigrants and these honorees exemplify everything what it means to achieve ‘The American Dream.’ I am proud to once again host this important community celebration.”

News From Congressman Eliot Engel

Engel Statement on Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands One Year After Hurricane Maria

  “One year ago, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, leaving nearly three thousand dead. Today, our fellow citizens on the islands are still reeling from the storm and its aftermath, struggling to recover due in no small part to the ineptitude of this Administration.

“Rather than focus on the recovery effort, the President spent most of the past year ignoring the plight of his Caribbean constituents, then called into question the official government death count after it exposed just how inadequate his team was in responding. His remarks were disgraceful and deserve our condemnation, which my colleagues and I offered to him directly in writing. The President’s callous words also called for a legislative response, in the form of Rep. Nydia Velazquez’s COUNT Victims Act, a bill I cosponsor, which will ensure no future disaster is left with uncertainty regarding the toll it took.

“Moving forward, we must also keep in mind the role climate change will play in future storms. Our planet is getting hotter, and more heat means more energy powering massive storm systems. One of the smartest, most effective ways we could help Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is to take real, bold steps to combat climate change, something the GOP has refused to do for years. In addition, it is critical that we hold FEMA accountable when dealing with natural disasters, another responsibility Republicans seem to have abdicated.

“We’ve learned many lessons over the past year, not the least of which is what happens when those in power fail to act on behalf of our fellow citizens. The Republican run federal government failed the people of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Their failure must never be allowed to happen again.”

Engel Cosponsors Resolution to Overturn Trump’s Expansion of Junk Health Insurance Plans

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel has cosponsored a Congressional Review Act resolution, H.J. Res. 140, to overturn the Trump Administration’s expansion of junk health insurance plans that would allow insurers to deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions.

The resolution, authored by Congresswoman Kathy Castor, would nullify a Trump Administration rule permitting the expansion of skimpy health plans. Such plans are not required to offer the consumer protections provided under the Affordable Care Act, such as those for Americans with pre-existing conditions.

“I refuse to stand idly by while the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress lay waste to vital consumer protections,”Engel said. “We cannot go back to a time when Americans could be forced to pay more for health care – or be denied it altogether – because they live with a condition like asthma or diabetes. Nor can we return to the days when plans were free to exclude needed benefits, like maternity care. I am proud to join Congresswoman Castor in her effort to protect consumers from this dangerous Republican effort to turn back the clock on American families.”

Engel Statement on Trump Admin. Decision to Pull Funding From Cancer Research to Pay for Jailing of Immigrant Children

    Congressman Eliot L. Engel issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s decision to pull $260 million in funding from cancer research and other health programs to pay for the rising cost of detaining immigrant children:

“The revelation that the Trump Administration is moving vital funding away from worthwhile, potentially life-saving programming in order to pay for the President’s crusade against immigrants should give us all pause. This is just another despicable decision from an Administration that specializes in them. They’ve already redirected funding from FEMA to ICE and now they’re going one step further. The idea of taking money from cancer research and HIV/AIDS prevention in order to pay for the jailing of children is so grotesque, it runs completely counter to our values as a nation. Every GOP member in the House and Senate should be made to answer for this horror show.”