NYC Council Expands Security Measures for Non-Public Schools to Enhance Student Safety

The New York City Council approved legislation aimed at enhancing security measures in non-public schools, an initiative that supporters argue will significantly bolster school safety for more children. Council Member Justin Brannan, the sponsor of bill 532A, emphasized that the legislation reduces the threshold for security guard reimbursement from 300 to 150 students, enabling smaller non-public schools to access essential safety resources.

Brannan noted that the original program had already proven effective in supporting school safety by allowing larger non-public schools to secure reimbursement for their security costs. The expansion, now facilitating aid for smaller institutions, represents a substantial advancement towards ensuring that all children, regardless of their educational setting, can feel secure while at school (Source: https://youtu.be/YlSxV552_4s&t=645).

During the council meeting, Brannan expressed that making schools safer is a priority for city officials, stating, “The safety and security in our schools should always be non-negotiable.” Parents, he argued, deserve the assurance that their children can attend school in a safe environment, free from external threats (Source: https://youtu.be/YlSxV552_4s&t=726). The committee’s efforts reflect a broader commitment to transparency and equity in public safety, as city leaders underscore the importance of collective measures to enhance the educational landscape for all students.

This legislative change comes in the aftermath of community concerns regarding the safety of children near cannabis shops and other disturbances around school environments, issues recently highlighted during Mayor Eric Adams’ community conversations on public safety (Source: https://youtu.be/TiphmQiqSuM&t=1531). As the council discusses these challenges, they aim to integrate various city resources to bolster both safety and educational access for students across New York City.