LatinoJustice Continues Pursuit to Expand Access to NYC Specialized High Schools Despite New Decision
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
September 24, 2024
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LatinoJustice Continues Pursuit to Expand Access to NYC Specialized High Schools
New York, NY – The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed the grant of summary judgment in the lawsuit Christa McAuliffe Intermediate School PTO v. Bill de Blasio, which aims to halt New York City’s Discovery Program, which aims to increase access and opportunity for all students and improve racial and economic equity in admissions to New York City’s eight elite public high schools.
In light of this news, LatinoJustice PRLDEF released the the following statement that can be attributed to Fran Fajana, Director of Racial Justice Strategy at LatinoJustice PRLDEF: “Admission to New York City’s specialized high schools, funded by all taxpayers, irrespective of race, should not be considered “a zero-sum game,” as the Second Circuit Court of Appeals expressed in its terribly disappointing decision. Deeming admission to publicly funded institutions a “zero-sum game” stymies the New York City Department of Education’s obligation to expand opportunity to Black and Latino students who make up two-thirds of the city’s public-school population yet persistently comprise a mere 10% of the student body at the specialized high schools that open so many doors for its graduates. We cannot lose sight of that shameful reality. We must redouble our resolve to fight for opportunity for all students.”
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About LatinoJustice
LatinoJustice PRLDEF works to create a more just society by using and challenging the rule of law to secure transformative, equitable and accessible justice, by empowering our community and by fostering leadership through advocacy and education. For over 50 years, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has acted as an advocate against injustices throughout the country. To learn more about LatinoJustice, visit www.LatinoJustice.org