“It’s a great day for New York’s 1.1 million students. The court’s decision reaffirms that every public school student in New York City has the right to a quality education, one that will equip them for productive citizenry,” said Fattah.

In its ruling the court found that, “All the children of New York are constitutionally entitled to the opportunity of a high school education, up to the 12^th grade, that imparts the skills necessary to sustain competitive employment within the market of high school graduates, acquire higher education, and serve capably on a jury and vote.” The decision overturns a lower court ruling that the state had only to ensure students an 8^th grade education.

“Today’s victory is not just for the students of New York City, it’s a victory for students all across America as courts in 25 states have found that educational opportunities are being denied to the neediest of children – those in urban and rural school districts.”

The court found that “…tens of thousands of students are placed in overcrowded classrooms, taught by unqualified teachers, and provided with inadequate facilities and equipment.  The number of children in these straits is large enough to represent a systemic failure.” 

In an effort to bring a federal remedy to the issue of adequate resources, Congressman Fattah has introduced The Student Bill of Rights, H.R. 236.  This bill would hold states accountable for providing resources including highly qualified teachers and school counselors, challenging curricula, up-to-date textbooks and materials, and small classes to all students who rely on public schools for their education. Current law requires that schools within the same district provide comparable educational services.  This bill would extend that basic protection to the state level by requiring comparability across school districts.

For more information, please visit Congressman Chaka Fattah’s website at

www.house.gov/fattah.