Editorial: And equity for all

Did you know that on average, students in New York City receive $1,000 less in school funding than those in suburban upstate districts?

Did you know that city teachers make approximately $2,000 less than their suburban counterparts?

Did you know that according to the powers that be in Albany, children in the city have a constitutional right to a “minimally adequate” education?

Surprised?

Well, so are those at the Campaign for Fiscal Equity (CFE). They have made it their mission to ensure school children in the city receive their fair share of state funding.

CFE charges that New York State is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VI prohibits entities that receive federal funds from discriminating on the basis of race, color or national origin. CFE claims that by lowering the financial per capita levels of children in New York City, state officials are willingly turning their back on the U.S. Constitution.

CFE contends less funding leads to fewer books, fewer certified teachers and fewer technological advances, all combining to create a less conducive environment for learning.

With that in mind, the Campaign for Fiscal Equity brought a lawsuit against the state. Since 1996, lawyers for both sides have been dueling it out in court. In a recent decision in June 2002, an appeals court overruled a lower court’s decision that found New York State in violation of fair funding practices. The new ruling sided with Albany officials, who claim that an eighth-grade education is all a child requires.

In a day and age where advances in medicine and technology are growing at a far greater rate than anyone’s expectations, is an eighth grade education really all our children should strive for?

Don’t the powers that be in Albany realize that American school children already lag far behind their counterparts in other countries? If these officials continue to neglect (or at least set low standards for) children in the city they are contributing to this country’s future failure.

CFE is not giving up its fight. Recently, a higher appeals court agreed to hear why CFE feels the lower court’s decision was in error. The hearing is set for May 8.

In the meantime, Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion will sponsor a community meeting on Tuesday, April 29 at Bronx Community College to advise all interested in how they can join the fight.

The Horizon urges parents and leaders to come out and support the CFE’s efforts. Funding equity can lead to better conditions. Better conditions can lead to a better education. A better education leads to a better future.