REMARKS
Council Member Rita C. Joseph introduces Resolution 372 on student newspapers in NYC high schools
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Council Member Rita C. Joseph introduces Resolution 372, which calls for the New York City Department of Education to provide support for student newspapers in every high school. She highlights the current disparities in access to student journalism opportunities across NYC high schools and emphasizes the importance of student newspapers for educational equity and fostering diverse journalism pipelines.
- Joseph cites a 2022 Baruch College report showing only 27% of non-charter public high schools have student newspapers, with even lower rates in high-poverty schools.
- She stresses that lack of student newspapers disproportionately affects Black and brown students, limiting their opportunities to develop critical thinking and creativity.
- Joseph acknowledges the Youth Journalism Coalition as an inspiration behind the resolution.
Rita C. Joseph
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Good morning, and welcome everyone to today's committee on education vote on resolution number 372, sponsored by myself calling on the New York City Department of Education.
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To provide support for a student newspaper at every high school.
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I am proud to have sponsored this bill along with 20 of my colleagues.
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The committee previously heard testimony on the resolution on June 18 2024.
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There is a significant and troubling disparity in access to student journal journalism opportunities across our city's high schools.
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A 2022 report by Baruque College found that only 27% of non charter public schools public high schools in New York have a student newspaper.
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The disparity becomes even more pronounced when taken into account socioeconomic status among the 100 non charter public high school with the highest poverty rate, a mere 7% have a student newspaper.
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Compare this to 62% of the 59 charter high schools with the lowest poverty rate and 100% of our specialized high school, all of which have student newspapers.
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These statistics are not just numbers, they reflect a deeper issue of inequity and access to opportunities that can profoundly shape its students' educational experience and future prospects.
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Lack of a student newspaper strip many students particularly the brown black and brown students of the opportunity to express their ideas, showcase their creativity, and develop critical thinking skills.
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Soon in journalism is essential for fostering a more representative pipeline of professional journalists who reflect the diversity of our city.
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By calling on New York City Public Schools to support a student newspaper at every high school, we are taking a critical step toward ensuring that all of our students have the opportunity to contribute to a future where democratic freedoms are protected.
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Government accountability is upheld in our society is better informed.
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I would also like to shout out youth journalism coalition who's here today and the other inspiration behind this resolution.
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Thank you for being here.
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I would like to thank my staff and committee staff, and I will now turn the clerk to call the role.