Persaud Announces CUNY To Protect Student Privacy
State Sen. Roxanne J. Persaud (D- Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Bergen Beach, Sheepshead Bay) yesterday announced that the City University of New York (CUNY) system has heeded her call to protect the privacy of students and will now classify students’ citizenship and immigration status and limit that information to a ‘need-to-know’ basis.
This action follows Persaud’s introduction of legislation in the State Senate to require the SUNY and CUNY systems to not provide any information which would assist the federal government in removing immigrant students.
“I commend CUNY for standing up for our students’ rights and sending a clear message to Donald Trump that his views and actions have no place in New York,” said Persaud. “When I introduced my legislation to protect students’ privacy, it was to ensure that our higher education systems remain accessible to all and aren’t turned into spy agencies. I will keep up the fight to protect the rights of immigrants and all New Yorkers because our state continues to be a beacon of liberty and freedom during these difficult times.”
Persaud legislation, the ‘SUNY/CUNY Resistance’ Bill and was introduced as part of the Senate Democratic Conference’s pledge to stand up to President Trump’s extremist actions. The Senator’s bill will:
- Require SUNY and CUNY employees to avoid inquiring over a student’s immigration status to the extent that such action would assist the federal government in removing immigrant students;
- Prohibit SUNY/CUNY administrations from determining if a student was from a specific Muslim-majority nation, whether the student had proper immigration status, or was undocumented; and
- Neutralize controversial efforts by the State Senate Republicans to require universities to compile data regarding the number of foreign students, their countries of origin and the programs they are enrolled in.
Schumer Denounces Trump New Immigration Policy
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) yesterday sharply denounced the Department of Homeland Security memo detailing updated guidance on immigration enforcement.
“No matter how much they deny it, it is clear that the White House is setting in motion their mass deportation plan, directing immigration agents to round up and quickly deport anyone who is undocumented,” said Schumer.
“We can all agree that violent criminals should be removed, but it is outrageous and unacceptable for ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents) to target or arrest innocent immigrant families contributing to our nation and working to achieve the American Dream. This is a waste of limited resources, disrupts our economy, does nothing to keep us safe, and makes everyone a target – causing panic within the immigrant community.
“We will continue fighting for what is right, and we will be vigilant and strong in our commitment to upholding the promise and grand tradition of America welcoming immigrants.”
Cumbo, Williams, Mosley Rally Against Privatization Of Former Michell-Lama Building
City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) will head a rally today against the privatization of 21 Saint James Place in Clinton Hill prior to the tenants vote on Thursday.
The property was developed under the Mitchell-Lama program and first occupied nearly half a century ago. The state signed the Mitchell-Lama program into law in 1955, and it is credited with creating some 105,000 units of middle-income housing.
Developers received tax abatements for opting into the program, which expired after the buildings were paid off, causing some 23,000 units to come off the program between 1990-2005.
Assembly Member Walter Mosley (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights), City Council Member Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) along with tenants from the building and tenant advocates will join Cumbo.
The rally is slated for 10:30 a.m., today, Feb 22, at the Saint James Playground (corner of Lafayette Avenue and Saint James Place) in Clinton Hill.
Williams Rallies For Summer Youth Employment
City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) today will join Tamika Mallory and Carmen Perez, the co-chairs of the Women’s March on Washington, to call on the de Blasio Administration to increase funding for all youth employments programs, with a commitment to incrementally increase funding for universal summer youth employment.
These programs assist a number of adolescents, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) also known as “Dreamers” recipients.
Last year nearly 140,000 adolescents applied to the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Of those 140,000 applicants, only 60,000 were enrolled. While there has been growth in the program, with 5,000 additional slots slated for the next fiscal year, that allotment is not enough to meet the demand.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are also eligible to take part in youth employment programs such as SYEP. Roughly two-thirds of DACA recipients received authorization to work in the United States.
The rally is slated for 1 p.m. today, Feb. 22 on the steps of City Hall in Lower Manhattan.
Adams Celebrates Impact Of Borough’s African-American Legacy
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, the first person of color to serve as Brooklyn’s chief executive, will host his annual Black History Month celebration at Brooklyn Borough Hall today, where he will celebrate the borough’s African-American cultural legacy.
The event, featuring a diverse display of creative expression, will honor a handful of local residents for their commitment to advancing the borough through art, dance, and music. Adams will speak about the importance of Black History Month to the culture of Brooklyn as well as the impact that African-Americans have had on the borough’s development.
The event is slated for 7 p.m., today, Feb. 22 at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
IND, Democratic Coalition Against Trump Co-Sponsor DNC Chair Candidates Debate
The Independent Neighborhood Democrats and the Democratic Coalition Against Trump are co-sponsoring a watch party of the Democratic National Conference debate for the new chair tonight.
The event is slated for 9-11 p.m., at the Divine Bar, 896 Broadway in Williamsburg. Event page: https://www.facebook.com/
CBID Monthly Meeting Tomorrow Night
The Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats will hold their monthly meeting tomorrow night.
The agenda will include visits from the State Attorney General’s Office, the Brooklyn Young Progressives, the Sunset Park Latino Democrats, #getorganized report backs and a number of local elected officials.
The meeting is slated for 7 p.m., tomorrow, Feb. 23 at Camp Friendship in Park Slope.
VIDA Monthly Meeting On Saturday
The Vanguard Independent Democratic Association is holding their monthly meeting on Saturday.
For Black History Month, the meeting will feature a special panel discussion entitled “Brooklyn Black History Comes Alive,” based on the book Black Brooklyn written by Dr. John Flateau.
Author Dr. John Flateau will be joined on the panel by the Hon. Dr. Al Vann, Public Advocate Letitia James, Sam Pinn, and Job Mashariki. The Hon. Annette M. Robinson will serve as the moderator.
