AQE Responds to Plans for Humanoid Robot at Salamanca High School

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 16, 2026) — The public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education responded to reports that Salamanca High School, located on the Seneca Nation, will begin using a humanoid robot as a teaching assistant in classrooms this fall: “We want our children prepared for the future, including a strong foundation in STEAM … Continue reading AQE Responds to Plans for Humanoid Robot at Salamanca High School

Without Investment in the Workforce, Final Budget Loses Momentum on Universal Child Care

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 27, 2026) — In response to the agreement announced on the New York State FY2027 budget, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement from Marina Marcou-O’Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Directors: “Governor Hochul began this year with a bold promise to millions of New Yorkers — … Continue reading Without Investment in the Workforce, Final Budget Loses Momentum on Universal Child Care

State Education Budget Makes Progress on Equity, With More Work Ahead

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 22, 2026) — In response to the agreement announced on the New York State FY2027 budget, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement from Marina Marcou-O’Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Directors: “We are encouraged that the enacted budget not only includes funding for public education beyond … Continue reading State Education Budget Makes Progress on Equity, With More Work Ahead

Youth, Parents, Educators Call on Council to Protect Free Speech for Students​

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 14, 2026) — Students, parents and advocates gathered Wednesday for a rally urging members of the New York City Council to sustain Mayor Mamdani’s veto of Intro 175-B and protect students’ right to protest. At the rally, students, families and educators shared personal stories on the importance of maintaining the right … Continue reading Youth, Parents, Educators Call on Council to Protect Free Speech for Students​

AQE Condemns Passage of Bills Restricting First Amendment Rights

In response to New York City Council passing Intros 1-B and 175-B, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education issued the following statement: “We are furious and deeply disappointed that the members of the New York City Council voted to pass the ‘no free speech buffer zone’ bills, knowing this legislation expands police … Continue reading AQE Condemns Passage of Bills Restricting First Amendment Rights

One House Proposals Acknowledge Need to Raise Taxes, Invest in Child Care Workforce

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 10, 2026) — Public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education issued the following statement in response to the Senate and Assembly budget proposals: “The Senate and Assembly budget proposals both include priorities that must be reflected in the final enacted budget. Working families across New York are facing deep and growing … Continue reading One House Proposals Acknowledge Need to Raise Taxes, Invest in Child Care Workforce

Gov. Hochul is Standing in Her Own Way of Making New York a Place for Families to Thrive

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 20, 2026) — In response to Governor Hochul’s executive budget address, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education issued the following statement: “New York needs to be a state where families thrive. Governor Hochul’s executive budget proposes some steps in the right direction, but doesn’t go far enough. “Governor Hochul … Continue reading Gov. Hochul is Standing in Her Own Way of Making New York a Place for Families to Thrive

Universal Child Care Won’t Work Without the Workforce

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 13, 2026) — In response to Governor Hochul’s State of the State address on Tuesday, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “The investments that Governor Hochul has proposed for child care and pre-K are welcome and meaningful, but without investment to raise wages for the child … Continue reading Universal Child Care Won’t Work Without the Workforce

Statement on Governor Hochul’s Historic Universal Child Care Announcement

New York, NY (January 8, 2026) – Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, co-executive director of the Alliance for Quality Education, issued the following statement in response to Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani’s announcement of a plan to implement universal child care in New York. “This proposal is an enormous and welcome first step toward building a truly universal, … Continue reading Statement on Governor Hochul’s Historic Universal Child Care Announcement