REMARKS
Council Member Shahana K. Hanif advocates for religious diversity curriculum in NYC schools
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Council Member Shahana K. Hanif presents her remarks in support of Resolution 95, which calls for the Department of Education to develop a curriculum focusing on religious diversity in New York City schools. She emphasizes the importance of this curriculum in combating religious-based bullying and fostering mutual understanding among students.
- Hanif highlights the rise in religious-based bullying incidents and hate crimes, stressing the need for education to prevent such occurrences.
- She mentions the broad interfaith coalition supporting the resolution, including leaders from Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and Sikh communities.
- Hanif urges her colleagues to vote in favor of Resolution 95 and calls for immediate implementation of the curriculum by the Department of Education.
Shahana K. Hanif
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the 35 sponsors of this resolution, including co prime sponsor Councilmember Schulman and Education Chair Joseph for their support.
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This resolution calls on the Department of Education to consult with faith based organizations to develop and provide all grade levels with a curriculum that focuses on religious diversity.
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In my new capacity as co chair of the council's task force to combat hate, I've heard from students of different backgrounds about the lack of understanding that many students have about the religious experiences of their peers.
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This creates an environment where students are more vulnerable to bullying or biased based incidents, which can range from subtle microaggressions to violent hate crimes.
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It has been eye opening to learn about the ways in which students have been made to feel either ostracized or unsafe due to the religion that they practice.
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Over the rat last year, there have been 367 incidents of religious based bullying, harassment, intimidation, and discrimination in our schools.
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With the troubling rise of antisemitic, Islamophobic, and other hate crimes, it is more crucial than ever to cultivate inclusivity and prevent hate through education.
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Our schools must be nurturing places where our young New Yorkers are able to express their full selves without fear.
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In order to meet this imperative, we must bring a universal religious diversity curriculum to our classrooms.
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By teaching students about the mosaic of religions that makes New York City such a culturally rich and vibrant place, we can foster mutual understanding, respect, and exchange amongst our next generation.
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I'm grateful for the interfaith coalition of supporters of this of of this resolution, including leaders from the Muslim, Jewish, Chris Christian, and Sikh communities.
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The diversity of this coalition and the effort they've consistently dedicated to this fight over the last few years underscores how critical this resolution is.
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I encourage all my colleagues to vote in favor of Reso 95 and for the Department of Education to develop and implement this curriculum immediately.
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Thank
