Elected officials have known about this crisis for years and have not stopped it. Parents, former students and teachers outline a systemic denial of education intended to prevent them from succeeding outside Hasidic communities.In 2015, over 50 parents, former students and teachers sent letters to several school principals and the city’s education department alleging that 39 Hasidic schools did not teach English or other basic secular subjects and did not comply with state education laws. I was. .
“Generally speaking, English and mathematics are taught in the yeshivas listed for an average of 90 minutes total, four days a week, from ages 7 to 13 or so,” they wrote. “Not only are they taught in English, but no other secular subjects are taught. In these yesivas, English education for boys ends at age 13. I will get an education, but I am afraid that it will not be enough to prepare me for the future.”
A year-long investigation of the city, initiated under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, is not yet complete. However, in 2019 the city issued an interim report that concluded that dozens of Hasidic schools were not giving their children a basic education.
The city and state allow these schools to continue operating anyway.
Elected officials, from governors and legislators to mayors and city officials, and education officials they appoint or influence, are very reluctant to take decisive action to protect these children. If, in reality, they could face political reprisals from Hasidic community leaders who traditionally vote as a bloc and maximize their influence in New York elections. stagnated under de Blasio, who has fostered political ties with Under Mr. Adams, who has nurtured such a bond, it is still showing no signs of decline.
When asked what they plan to do to ensure that Hasidic children receive a basic education in the state, many of New York’s most prominent elected officials said little. did.
Senator Charles Schumer declined to comment through a spokesman.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, whose district includes several schools, said through a spokesman that the allegations were “serious in nature” and required a “rigorous investigation.”