HARTFORD – Today just after the midnight hour, Senator Tony Hwang spoke and supported Senate Bill 154 as amended by (LCO) amendment 4302. Senator Hwang specifically addressed sections 3, 4, and 5 which would delay the requirement for schools in towns that have been noticed by the CT Department of Education to correct racial imbalances in their school districts until July 1, 2025. Hwang clarified and confirmed legislative intent during the Senate floor debate to confirm that even if a town had submitted its plan before July 1, 2024, those towns would still be eligible for the delay.
Senator Hwang has long supported diversity in schools and educational programming, however, he noted that forced redistricting can have significant negative effects on a child who is required to change schools, leaving friends and trusted school faculty behind.
“This slight pause will give Fairfield’s Board of Education and the State Department of Education more time and data to consider multiple options to address racial imbalances and formulate effective strategies that will have minimal impacts on the mental health and well-being of students,” Senator Hwang asserted. “Diversity is a strength, and our ultimate goal should be to promote diversity in all public schools. But, I urge caution and careful consideration of the unintended consequences of forcing children to leave a school environment where they have made friends and bonded with their teachers.”
The bill now goes to the CT House of Representatives for passage before the end of session at midnight, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Upon bicameral legislative approval, Governor Lamont will need to sign it into law.
The post Senator Hwang Praises Passage of Education Legislation that Delays CT Racial Imbalance Redistricting Process appeared first on Connecticut Senate Republicans.
