Treyger, Barron To Hold Joint Hearing On Sexual Harassment & Gender Discrimination In NYC Schools
The City Council Committees on Women and Gender Equity, Education and Higher Education – chaired by Council Members Helen Rosenthal (D-Manhattan), Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst), and Inez Barron (D-East New York) – today will hold a joint hearing regarding sexual harassment and gender discrimination in New York City schools, and Title IX’s role in creating a fair and safe educational environment for all students.
Since 1972, federal law Title IX has played a critical role in protecting students from gender-based discrimination in any educational program or activity that receives federal funding. Over time there have been efforts to increase and strengthen these protections, including Obama era guidance on establishing Title IX “coordinators” in local school districts, and the designation of gender identity and expression as protected categories.
The Council Members will review whether NYC schools are adequately prepared to protect students under Title IX rule changes proposed by the Trump administration. In late 2018, The Education Department announced proposed changes to the IX protections like narrowing the definition of sexual harassment and requiring that schools allow representatives of the accused — often lawyers — to cross-examine complainants at live hearings.
With 1.1 million students, New York City has the largest school district in the country, but currently only one Title IX coordinator. In its response to the Mayor’s preliminary budget, the City Council requested funding in the City budget for the DOE to hire 7 additional Title IX Coordinators. That funding was not included in the Mayor’s executive budget, released last week.
Two pieces of legislation related to Title IX’s mission to protect students from sex discrimination will also be reviewed at tomorrow’s hearing:
- Introduction 1536, sponsored by Rosenthal and co-sponsored by Treyger, requires the Commission on Gender Equity to report on Title IX provisions, compliance, and outcomes. The City will have to report publicly on its efforts to prevent and mediate discrimination in local schools, as well as key findings regarding how best to combat sex and gender discrimination.
- Resolution 797, sponsored by Council Member Adrienne Adams (D-Queens) and co-sponsored by Treyger, calls upon the NYC Department of Education to maintain at least seven Title IX Coordinators, with a minimum of one coordinator per borough
The hearing is slated for 1 p.m., today, April 30, in the City Hall Committee Room in Lower Manhattan.
Persaud To Hold Form On The New York Health Act
State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill, Starrett City) recently announced an upcoming public forum on the New York Health Act alongside State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx), chair of the State Senate Committee on Health.
The legislation (S.4840) would establish a universal single payer health plan to provide all New Yorkers with comprehensive health coverage.
At the event, attendees will learn about the measure and its importance to the state’s healthcare system. Along with a presentation and discussion, there will also be health professional panelists Dr. Donald Moore, MD, MPH, Physicians for a National Health Program & Velda Jeffrey, Lead Organizer, 1199 SEIU.
The event is slated for 6;30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, May 2, at the Jewish Community Center, 1170 Pennsylvania Avenue in Canarsie.
Malliotakis To Host Spring Cleanup At Owl’s Head Park
Assembly member Nicole Malliotakis (R,C,I,Ref-Brooklyn, Staten Island) yesterday announced two upcoming spring cleanups at Owl’s Head Park.
The events are in partnership with the Owl’s Head Park Volunteers who will aim to clean leaves and weeds from the gardens at the park. The first cleanup is scheduled for this week with another for next week. The event are open to the public and all volunteers are welcomed.
“Each year, the wonderful volunteers of Owl’s Head Park host spring cleanups, creating a sense of community and a cleaner beautiful park for all. People can really take pride in the fact that they went out and got together and did something positive for the city,” said Malliotakis.
“It is so important we keep our parks and recreational areas clean, not only for the beautification of our community, but for the environment and our wildlife. That’s why I am proud to sponsor these two ‘greenups’,” added Malliotakis.
The first cleanup is slated for 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, May 4, at Sprinkler Park (meet at the park house across from 68th Street and Bliss Terrace) in Bay Ridge.
The second cleanup is slated for 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, May 11, at the Overlook (meet at the park house across from 68th Street and Bliss Terrace) in Bay Ridge.
For more information, please email owlsheadvolunteer@gmail.com.
Eugene Holds 11th Annual Community Health Fair & Student Recognition Event
City Council member Mathieu Eugene (D-Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Flatbush, East Flatbush) in partnership with Medgar Evers College and the Flatbush Beacon Program, hosted the 11th Annual Community Health Fair and Student Recognition Event at MS 2 Parkside Preparatory Academy over the weekend.
The free community resource event commenced with a dance performance by the Flatbush Beacon Program, followed by the presentation of awards by Eugene to students who excelled in academic achievement during the school year.
Following the awards ceremony, attendees were provided with information regarding health and community resources.
“It is an honor to support this annual event where we are able to recognize our young people for their excellent achievements in academics this year and also provide our families with essential health resources at no cost. Through the efforts of our teachers and parents, we are providing positive reinforcement to our young men and women so that they can mature as individuals, and continue to pursue their dreams,” said Eugene.
“The health and wellbeing of our hardworking families continues to be my top priority, and I want to thank Medgar Evers College, the Flatbush Beacon Program, and MS 2 for being tremendous community partners. I am so very appreciative to the many city agencies who are here today to provide helpful information regarding health services to our families,” added Eugene.
Espinal, Community Garden Leaders Rally To Save Green Space on May Day
City Council member Rafael Espinal (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington) alongside garden advocates will rally together this week to call on the City to stop the destruction of community gardens.
In the past year, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) has selected several sites with existing community gardens to develop affordable housing, threatening to deprive many communities of much-needed green space. Meanwhile, many City-owned lots remain vacant. The plots include
Advocates have long argued that the need for more affordable housing can be balanced with the need to preserve and expand green space throughout the city, particularly in underserved areas.
Last year, Espinal called for a moratorium on the development of affordable housing at the Elizabeth Street Garden and the Nelson Mandela Garden after it was announced both would be developed into Haven Green in Nolita and Bolton Common in Harlem, respectively, adding a combined 152 affordable homes as well as other community benefits.
The event is slated for 12-noon, Wednesday, May 1 at the Steps of City Hall in Lower Manhattan.
