Bill > A01857

This bill amends the New York State education law to require public schools to provide a more comprehensive civics education program, expanding existing requirements for instruction in civility, citizenship, and character education. Specifically, the bill mandates that schools provide a minimum of two hours per week of civics instruction starting in the 2025-2026 school year for all students over five years old. The expanded curriculum will now include additional topics such as racial and global harmony, media literacy, morals and ethics, and will emphasize the practical application of these lessons. The instruction will continue to focus on principles like honesty, tolerance, personal responsibility, and respect for others, with a particular emphasis on discouraging harassment, bullying, and discrimination. The bill also maintains the existing requirement to teach safe and responsible internet and electronic communication use, and requires instruction to be inclusive of different races, national origins, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and other personal characteristics. The new provisions aim to provide students with a more robust understanding of civic engagement, ethical behavior, and interpersonal respect.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1857