The Center for Educational Equity at Teachers College, Columbia University, filed an amicus brief supporting the respondents in the PEARLS (Parents for Educational and Religious Liberty in Schools), v. Young litigation. The lawsuit was filed against New York State Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr., and NYSED Commissioner Betty A. Rosa by a group of organizations representing the yeshiva education community, following the Regents’ September 2022 passage of regulations on substantially equivalent education in nonpublic schools.

It is well-established that students attending nonpublic schools must receive instruction substantially equivalent to that received in public schools. Our brief emphasizes the constitutional right that all students in New York State – including students attending nonpublic schools – have to a meaningful opportunity to an education that prepares them to function productively as civic participants.