CEE Files Amicus Brief in NY Court of Appeals Arguing that the Opportunity for a Sound Basic Education Includes Adequate Preparation for Civic Participation

In the pending case of IntegrateNYC v. State of New York, CEE's IntegrateNYC Amicus Brief, submitted on March 20, 2025,  argues that resolution of the  claims in this case that students in allegedly segregated schools in New York City are being denied their constitutional right to the opportunity for a sound  basic education requires consideration of three basic issues: First, does the right to the opportunity for a sound basic education encompass more than adequate funding? Second, if the right encompasses more than adequate funding, what other aspects of education does it include? Third, have the Plaintiffs in this case alleged educational harms that are cognizable under the Education Article?

Amicus submits that students’ right to the opportunity for a sound basic education is not limited to issues of adequate funding, that the right encompasses those aspects of education that are necessary to prepare students to function productively as civic participants, and that Plaintiffs’ allegations in this case do properly claim a denial of that right.

In addition, the brief argues that  practical, feasible methods exist for maximizing the diversity of the student populations in the New York City Public Schools, and it describes in the brief one example of how the City’s existing school admission selection system could be modified with minimal administrative effort and little or no cost to accomplish this end.