A coalition of charter school advocates is making a late-session push for proposed legislation that would give leadership of color priority in licensing.
The move comes a month after state lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul approved a $229 billion budget that allowed for the distribution of 14 so-called “zombie” charter school licenses.
Miriam Raccah, the executive director of the Latinx Asian Charter Collaborative, in a letter to Hochul and members of the Legislature, urged them to pass the proposal supported by Rep. Brian Cunningham.
“As our society continues to grapple with the legacy of systemic racism, it is crucial that we address the deep disparities that persist in our educational institutions,” Raccah wrote in the letter. “Educators of color have historically faced numerous barriers and challenges to accessing equitable opportunities within public education and beyond. By prioritizing them for published zombie letters, we can begin to rectify these injustices and create a more inclusive and diverse educational landscape in New York.”
Cunningham’s bill, proposed in the final days of the legislative session, would give priority to charter school applicants that have a board of trustees and an administration in which 51 percent are members of minority groups. The measure is expected to win a sponsor in the state Senate.
“Representation is important, especially in the classroom. When students see themselves reflected in their educators, it fosters a sense of belonging, empowerment and cultural validation,” Raccah wrote in the letter. “It also allows diverse perspectives and experiences to be integrated into the teaching and learning process, enriching the educational journey of all students.”
