Who: NYS Assemblyman Nelson L. Castro, NYC and NYS Elected Officials, and City and State Religious Leaders
What: Press Conference: Urging the New York State Legislature to pass legislation A8800A/S6087A to authorize religious meetings in public school property when not in use for school purposes
When: Monday, February 6, 2012 11:30AM
Where: Legislative Office Building- 130 LCA Room, Albany, New York 12248
Statement from New York State Assemblyman Nelson L. Castro Legislation to Authorize Religious Meetings and Worship in Schools (A8800A/S6087)
(Bronx, New York, February 1, 2012)-New York State Assemblyman Nelson L. Castro (D-Bronx) urges New York State Legislators and Governor Andrew Cuomo to support legislation (A8800A) that will authorize religious meetings in schools when not in use for school purposes.
Currently, State Education Law allows school districts to provide an “Extended Use Permit” to any individual, community based organization (CBO), or any other organization. This permit allows for social, civic, educational, recreational meetings, and entertainment on school property, as well as other uses pertaining to the welfare of the community. However, religious groups and organizations will not be allowed to worship in school properties as of February 12, 2012. As a result, hundreds of churches that currently rent public school facilities will be evicted by the New York City Department of Education.
“This issue is particularly affecting my district and my constituents. It is my responsibility to protect my community. In my district, The Bronx Household of Faith and The Love Gospel Assembly have been directly affected by the discriminatory decision of the City of New York to prohibit worship in schools,” Assemblyman Castro explained.
In the court case Bronx Household of Faith v. New York City Board of Education, the U. S. Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the New York City Board of Education. This is because the New York State Education Law § 414 allows the City of New York to “be authorized to prohibit any use of schoolhouses and school grounds within its district.”
“About a year and half ago, The Love Gospel Assembly burned down and needed suitable space for a limited time to accommodate a congregation of 500 hundred people. Due to this unconscionable action, this church was denied a space in several schools in my districts,” added Assemblyman Castro.
This bill would prevent school districts from excluding groups from meeting in school property because of the religious content or viewpoint of their speech, including allowing religious worship services. Public school property will be under the control and supervision of the trustees and board of education of the district. However, no regulation should result in the exclusion or limitation of speech. “I urge my colleagues in the New York State Legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo to stand for Equal Access,” Assemblyman Castro expressed.
