Assemblywoman Applauds Students for Walking Out

New York State Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee is congratulating East Ramapo Central School District students on conducting a successful walkout demonstration in protest of the declining quality and current state of education policies.  

“I commend the students of East Ramapo for their non-violent demonstration to bring attention to their concerns and frustrations regarding the poor building conditions and severe spending cuts, which have negatively impacted their access to classes and programs essential to the quality education our state constitution guarantees them,” said Jaffee.  

Students from Spring Valley and Ramapo High School’s left their classrooms and exited their school’s building at 11:38 a.m.  

“With maturity and admirable restraint they have raised their voices in unison,” said Jaffee. “I can assure them that they have been heard, and that I have been deeply committed to resolving this crisis.”  

Students from Spring Valley and East Ramapo High Schools walked our of class on Wednesday at 11:38 a.m. and marched to Memorial Park in Spring Valley for a student-run demonstration. At 1:30 p.m. students continued their protest at the East Ramapo School District building. The East Ramapo Student Coalition organized the event.  

“We, the students of East Ramapo Central School District, are unhappy because of the lack of concern for the current state of our education,” reads a letter to the editor from the East Ramapo Student Coalition. “The worst part is that no one cares! Our school board blames the state, the State blames the board. Our New York State elected officials are quiet, our Commissioner of Education is quiet, and our Governor is quiet!”  

Jaffee said she has been meeting with New York State Department of Education leaders, including the commissioner and is “encouraging” the state to intervene by enforcing strong oversight, which she says the state has been doing over the past few months. She has also been discussing education matters with other colleagues in state government.