In a recent move, New York lawmakers have agreed to delay stricter rules for nonpublic religious schools, especially yeshivas, which are Jewish religious schools. This decision comes after strong pushback from Orthodox Jewish leaders, despite concerns raised by top education officials in the state.
Why Were New Rules Being Planned?
The state education department had introduced rules in 2022 to ensure that nonpublic schools, like yeshivas, give students an education similar to public schools. This rule is known as “substantial equivalency,” and it means that all schools, including private and religious ones, must teach basic subjects like English and maths to help students succeed in real life.
While many private schools in New York have started to follow these rules, a few yeshivas refused to cooperate. In fact, state officials found that some of these schools gave almost no lessons in English or maths. Earlier this year, six yeshivas in Brooklyn were told they would have to shut down after this school year if they didn’t meet the standards.
What Are Lawmakers Changing?
Instead of enforcing these rules right away, lawmakers are now offering more time and more flexible options for nonpublic schools to show they meet the standards. This includes allowing schools to use tests approved by other states, not just New York. If at least 33% of students pass these tests, the school will be considered compliant.
The schools can also start making changes from the elementary level, gradually working their way up to higher grades. This “bottom-up” method could give them up to seven extra years to fully follow the rules.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said the change doesn’t mean they are going soft—it just gives schools more time to get in line with the rules.
Pushback from Education Officials
Not everyone agrees with the decision. Education Commissioner Betty Rosa said that easing the rules could harm children in the long run. She believes all students, no matter which school they go to, deserve a proper education to get jobs and be active citizens.
She urged lawmakers to think beyond politics and focus on what’s best for children’s learning.
Community Reactions
Some community groups like YAFFED, founded by Orthodox Jews, say that many yeshivas don’t give enough time to basic subjects. In their past complaints, they said students received only 90 minutes per week of English and math, and the lessons stopped completely after eighth grade in some boys’ schools. Their research showed that six yeshivas were found to be offering education that was not up to the required standard.
But others, like Brooklyn Assemblymember Simcha Eichenstein, support the yeshivas. He says they give students a solid foundation and that critics are judging all yeshivas based on the problems of just a few. Orthodox Jewish groups like Agudath Israel also oppose the state’s strict education rules, saying religious education has its own value and should be respected.
Politics Behind the Move
Orthodox Jewish communities have strong political influence in parts of New York like Brooklyn and Rockland County. Their support can make a big difference during elections. That’s why many politicians are careful about how they deal with issues that affect these communities.
Governor Kathy Hochul also backed the latest changes, saying that the government needs to find a fair balance between a good education and the rights of parents to teach their children as per their religious beliefs.
What Happens Next?
The new plan will be added to the state’s delayed budget, which is now expected to be $254 billion. The full details are still being finalized, but it’s clear that religious schools in New York will get more time and more choices to meet education standards.
This debate highlights a big question: how do we make sure all children get a good education while also respecting religious freedom?
