Assembly Resolution No. 362

BY: M. of A. Jean-Pierre

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 25, 2023, as Teacher Diversity Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is custom of this Legislative Body, in regard to the
prosperity of education, to encapsulate the importance of educating our
future leaders to become productive members of society; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 25, 2023, as Teacher Diversity
Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Teacher Diversity Month; and

WHEREAS, The desire to have a diverse coalition of teachers across
all racial and ethnic backgrounds that support positive and
extraordinary educational outcomes for students, and in which there is
variety in voices that seek to provide resources and curriculum for
students of color; and

WHEREAS, The Board of Regents helped kickstart an initiative that
would promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools across New
York State, with policies stating the principle that schools should
foster environments in which educational engagement and learning is a
must; and

WHEREAS, The purpose of such a framework was instituted due to the
racial injustices and violence inflicted upon minority communities in
recent years, with Black and Asian Americans subjected to harsh
discrimination; and

WHEREAS, The ultimate goal results in the support of school
districts prioritizing equitable approaches to teaching, community
engagement, and learning so that students can enjoy the good fruits of
education; and

WHEREAS, Academic excellence and outcomes, higher average test
scores, decrease in drop-out rates, as well as the likelihood of
students attending college, are just a few of the positives that result
when there is equity and inclusion in schools; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body understands that there is an
obligation to create an environment in which students, teachers, and
faculty feel inclusive within their school communities, and more must be
done on the local, State and National levels to increase awareness of
this important issue; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 25, 2023, as Teacher
Diversity Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.