What used to be a trip to the principal’s office for minor misbehavior has become for many students in New York a trip to the police precinct — complete with handcuffs, jail cells and an appearance in court. And while New York has historically been home to some of the nation’s most innovative school integration initiatives, we now have the most segregated public school system in the country.

The NYCLU believes that every child has the right to pursue the American dream. That is why we fight for every child’s right to an education.

The Education Policy Center is a continuation of the NYCLU’s decades-long commitment to advance civil liberties in schools and other institutions that serve young people. We work to ensure public schools and institutions that serve young people in New York empower students, treat them fairly and equally, and create safe environments for them to learn and grow.

Learn about the members of our Education Policy Center Advisory Committee.