BP Adams Joins Plantiff To Demand Airline Protocol Against Discrimination
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams joined today with lawyer Roger Archibald, Esq. and his client, Julie Goggin, who alleges she was a victim of racial discrimination during a recent JetBlue flight.
Ms. Goggin, a New York resident, alleges that on December 22, 2019, her two sons — 14 and 18 years old — boarded a flight from JFK to Long Beach, California and were escorted to the back of the aircraft, after she had paid for extra legroom. Ms. Goggin claims she was not informed prior to removal, and was told her sons were being relocated due to a weight distribution issue on the aircraft. She was denied a refund and informed that the flight attendant was uncomfortable with her being on the flight and wanted her removed.
“As a frequent customer of JetBlue, I am deeply troubled by what appears to be a systemic pattern of discrimination against people of color on the airline. Just weeks ago, we stood with Shaun Lynda, who also alleges he was the victim of racial discrimination aboard a JetBlue flight over Thanksgiving,” said Adams, “Ms. Goggin’s case also raises troubling questions about how the airline treats people of color, even loyal customers. It’s clear that JetBlue must undertake far-reaching, comprehensive reforms, including racial sensitivity training for employees, to ensure this pattern does not continue,”
Cymbrowitz Calls for Permanent Funding for Homeowner Protections
Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz (D-Sheepshead Bay, Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, Midwood) along with advocates and nonprofits across New York State launched a campaign to save the Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP). They are fighting for the continuation of funding given to a network of nonprofits that provide free assistance to vulnerable New Yorkers who are fighting mortgage fraud, predatory scams, and foreclosures.
“Families facing the threat of foreclosure cannot navigate this process on their own, nor should they be expected to. The network we have in place has made New York a leader in foreclosure prevention, and this network must be given the funds it needs to allow it to continue,” said Cymbrowitz, “Safe and secure housing, and the ability to remain in that housing, is very much tied to workforce availability, vibrancy of our communities, and is an essential step in the path to the American dream.”
In addition, they are asking that funding not only become permanent, but also go towards vital financial counseling and legal services programs that will otherwise be forced to shut down. The funding runs out on March 31, 2020 and will force many organizations to end services and lay off workers unless lawmakers appropriate the necessary funding.
Persuad Passes Bills to Promote Educational Diversity
Senator Roxanne J. Persaud (D-Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill) and the Senate Democratic Majority passed a packet of legislation to promote diversity in the education system.
“Our children deserve a world-class education, and we understand that a truly well-rounded education system is one that represents us all,” Persaud said. “I am proud to advance legislation that will help encourage greater diversity in our education system and hopefully encourage more New York students to consider a career as educators.”
The Packet includes 5 bills. The first one, S.5808A, is sponsored by Senator Velmanette Montgomery, and proposes to establish a task force on educator diversity in New York State. The following bills focus on areas such as encouraging institutions to bring more underrepresented candidates to teach, creating a state commission to study the ten SUNY community colleges who are not participating Educational Opportunity Program, create conventions, and move the Amistad commission from the Department of State to the New York State Education Department.
Brannan, New Bill with List of Pediatric Emergency Rooms
City Councilman Justin Brannan (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach, Bensonhurst) along with Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer introduced measures to ensure better communication for parents of children in medical emergencies.
The regulations read that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) would be required to have a master list of pediatric emergency rooms posted publicly on its website. In addition, the list would be provided to and distributed by the 311 system, hospitals, pediatric medical offices, and Department of Education child care programs.
“This bill is a no brainer,” Brannan said. “More public information is never a bad thing, especially when it helps families make split-second decisions in moments of crisis. Making sure young New Yorkers can be connected to emergency rooms with specialized pediatric facilities will save lives, period. I am proud to work with Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer to make sure this straightforward safety measure becomes law.”
Having been introduced to the Council, the bill will be assigned to committee for a hearing before it can go to a vote on the Council floor.
