A controversial New York Times article published Sunday about the state of education in Hasidic communities, including here in Rockland and Orange Counties, continues to draw varying opinions across the political spectrum, particularly on social media. While some praised the article for exposing a failing approach to teaching children, others questioned the Times’ apparent failure to highlight success stories of Hasidic school kids, and others claimed it reeks of antisemitism. While she hasn’t commented on the piece itself, Governor Kathy Hochul did speak Monday at the Jerusalem Post’s Annual Conference in the city, and lamented the rise in antisemitism here in New York…
Republican gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin Tweeted that he strongly opposes the “substantial equivalency” push in New York targeting Yeshivas and other non-public education, calling it a dangerous road to go down. When we spoke to Ramapo supervisor Michael Specht yesterday, he said he hadn’t read the piece yet and couldn’t comment on it. The organization Yaffed, which was cited in the Times article, is hosting a panel discussion on Zoom today at noon to discuss the article and its findings. To sign up click here.
Meanwhile, the state’s full Board of Regents is expected to approve a regulation update today. The new rule would make local school districts review and enforce so-called “substantially equivalent” education procedures in private schools.