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New York’s Constitution guarantees a system of public schools “wherein all the children of this state may be educated.”�� Our State only began to take that command seriously in 1954, when the Supreme Court held that separate schools for African American children were inherently unequal.�� Since then, Congress has protected and prioritized historically neglected students through legislation such as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.�� These laws recognize and celebrate personal, social, and economic differences.�� They are models of strength through diversity.��

Recent executive orders issued by the President are antithetical to this tradition.�� They are also ineffective, as the President has a constitutional duty to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed.”�� This means the President cannot decide which laws to enforce or funds to distribute.�� It’s also why two federal courts immediately enjoined the President’s attempt to “freeze” federal funds.

The Board and the Department remain committed to the inherent dignity and worth of every child.�� As such, we denounce the intolerant rhetoric of these orders.�� Our children cannot thrive in an environment of chaos; they need steady and stable leadership that we will endeavor to provide.