President Trump's proposed drastic cut to the U.S. Department of Education's budget is an irresponsible disregard for vital education programs and would be devastating to New York's children.  The very programs he proposes to cut play a critical role in fostering equity and eliminating the education gap that exists across our nation. Further, eliminating federal funding for library, art, humanities and public broadcasting programs would decimate essential community centers and non-profit organizations.

The State Education Department receives $3.6 billion in federal funding each year, the vast majority of which is passed on to local school districts. Such substantial, wholesale cuts imperil important local programs. Eliminating widespread funding for after-school programs, community learning centers, teacher preparation, work study and cultural programs is a disservice to New York's children.

As the state's education leaders, we will work with our federal representatives to fight for the funding we need to support our students so they can succeed in life. We encourage all our educational partners to be strong advocates for New York's kids, and students nationally, and tell Washington, these cuts to vital educational programs are not acceptable.

The full statement is available here.

Last week, NYSED announced that it awarded more than $6 million in grants to 42 school districts for the My Brother's Keeper Family and Community Engagement Program. These grants will support programs to increase the academic achievement and college and career readiness of boys and young men of color while fostering the development of effective relationships with families to promote the success of all students. More information is available in our news release about the My Brother's Keeper grants.

Last month, Commissioner Elia and New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman  issued a reminder that New York State protects transgender students. Apart from existing federal law, New York State's Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) requires all school districts in New York to prohibit discrimination and harassment. The following guidance is available to school districts:

Also, in light of recent federal immigration-related actions that have created fear and confusion in New York and across the country, Commissioner Elia and Attorney General Schneiderman reminded school districts of their  duty to uphold the rights of immigrant students and safeguard student data. Our immigrant students have a right to a free education and they must not fear retribution for themselves or family members simply because they attend school. It is imperative that we protect all students as well as the information we have about them to the fullest extent possible under the law.