Albany Court Sides with Yeshivas in Longstanding Education Dispute

By Y.M. Lowy

The Albany Supreme Court ruled today in favor of our yeshivas and blocking the State Education Department from denying students services like special education and busing.

SED had claimed some yeshivas did not provide an education “substantially equivalent” to public schools and tried to cut off support. The court called SED’s actions unfair and against the law.

This decision builds on new state laws passed in May and a Court of Appeals ruling in June, which protect nonpublic schools and say they cannot be forced to close or have students unenrolled.

The court confirmed that even if SED disagrees with a school’s education, it cannot punish the school or its students.

The ruling is a major victory for the yeshiva community, ensuring our students continue to get the support they need and protecting our schools from interference.