The diversity of New York City is one of its greatest strengths, yet NYC is home to one of the most racially segregated public school systems in the nation. Beyond the placement of students, we continue to be alarmed by persistent disparities in access to schools, programs, and educational opportunities, as well as persistent disparities in educational outcomes for Black and brown students, students with disabilities, English Language Learners (ELLs), and students who are homeless or in foster care, among other student populations.

Our City should set ambitious goals for tackling these disparities and should tailor support to ensure its current and new initiatives meet the needs of different communities and populations of students to ensure all students have meaningful access and can fully participate in all programs. Our testimony focuses on what the Administration and the City Council can do in the next week as they finalize the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.