Orthodox Jewish parents and students have filed a class action lawsuit in Brooklyn challenging changes to New York’s Education Law § 3204, which set new evaluation standards for nonpublic schools, including yeshivas. The suit names Governor Kathy Hochul, legislative leaders, and the state as defendants.
The new rules allow alternative compliance options—such as exam-based pathways—designed to respect religious schooling while ensuring oversight. Supporters say this protects parental rights and the integrity of Torah study, while critics, led by groups like YAFFED, argue the changes weaken secular standards…