Legislation (S.1732/A.6091) amends the education law to require that student governments in high schools or district wide areas are established where they currently do not exist. The board of education or trustees of each school district serving high school students in grades nine through 12 with no districtwide or school building peer selected student government must establish a student government system.
State Senator Shelley Mayer said, “Participation in student government is a direct, hands-on way for young people to experience and learn the value of representative democracy. I am pleased every high school student in New York State will have the opportunity to participate in student government and learn that their voices are important, and that they have the right — and the obligation — to participate directly in our democracy. I thank my colleague Assemblyman Steve Otis for his partnership on this legislation, and Governor Kathy Hochul for signing it into law.”
Assemblymember Steven Otis said, “It is more important than ever that we find ways to bolster the understanding of how democracy functions. Democracy is not just a form of government, but it also requires the learned skills of deliberation, cooperation, compromise, and the ability to listen carefully and respect the views of others. Senator Mayer and I sponsored this legislation to ensure that the opportunity for these important civics lessons is available in every high school throughout the state. We again thank Governor Hochul for her strong commitment to these principles and for the strengthening of equity and opportunity with the approval of both the bills signed today and with her ongoing commitment to education funding.”
New York State Education Department Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Access to opportunities and activities that enrich student experiences and foster diverse skills, cultivate well-rounded individuals who are more inclined to engage actively in their communities and become informed, civic-minded citizens. The Department and the Board of Regents are committed to igniting a passion for curiosity and continuous growth, and by expanding programs like these, we can pave the way for a lifelong learning journey for the next generation.”