Ramapo Yeshiva Lawsuit Seeks Epic Changes

“Filed by a public interest law firm on behalf of seven unnamed plaintiffs who fear retaliation from their communities if they go public, the complaint takes aim at the state, the East Ramapo school district and four Hasidic yeshivas for failing to provide male students with basic secular studies such as English and mathematics.  The suit “a rare legal action for Hasidim, who have their own religious courts” delves into the inner workings of the private religious schools and calls for a number of changes that would fundamentally alter their traditional approach to education. Among the demands named in the lawsuit are the introduction of secular coursework for up to one-third of the school day, the hiring of “competent” instructors who teach in English; a monitoring and enforcement mechanism; accurate enrollment figures to help determine accountability for taxpayer funds; and an implementation date as soon as September 2016.”Ultra-Orthodox/Hasidic parents should not have to choose between a religious education and one that will teach their children how to read and write,’ said Laura Barbieri of the public interest law firm Advocates for Justice, which filed the suit. “They are entitled to both and the State is obligated to ensure that they receive it.” The full text of the Journal News story here.