NYC Council Adopts Hanif’s Resolution 95, Advancing Religious Diversity Education in NYC Public Schools

NewsOnline.Com Desk, New York : Council Member Shahana Hanif’s Resolution 0095-2024 was adopted November 13 by the New York City Council with an overwhelming 48-0 vote. The resolution calls on the New York City Department of Education (DOE) to develop a comprehensive religious diversity curriculum developed in collaboration with faith-based organizations.
This curriculum will be introduced at all grade levels in NYC public schools to foster respect for diverse religious practices. In addition, the resolution also urges the DOE to implement anti-bullying training for staff, improve hate crime reporting, and introduce proactive measures against religious-based bullying and harassment.

The resolution is backed by over 34 nonprofit and advocacy organizations, underscoring the critical need for education initiatives that promote understanding and tolerance in the face of rising hate crimes and religious intolerance.
The NYC DOE’s Biannual Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination Reports reveal a troubling increase in religious-based incidents, rising from 224 in the 2021-2022 school year to 367 in the 2022- 2023 school year. A religious diversity curriculum is key to addressing this trend and reducing such incidents in our schools. With the troubling rise of antisemitic, Islamophobic, and other hate crimes in NYC, it’s more important than ever to tackle the root causes of hate and foster understanding through education.
Resolution 95 is endorsed by a broad, multi-faith coalition of over 34 organizations that represent the diverse religious communities of New York City. These partners include Afrikana, American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG), Arab American Association of New York (AAANY), Arab-American Family Support Center (AAFSC), Armenian American Action Network, Asian American Federation (AAF), Avodah, Brooklyn Emerge, Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF), Council on American-Islamic Relations New York (CAIR-NY), Emgage, Faithfully Sustainable, Hindus for Human Rights, Interfaith Center of New York (ICNY), Jews for Racial & Economic Justice (JFREJ), Lab/Shul, Malikah, Muslim Community Network (MCN), New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS), Sikh Coalition, Society for the Advancement of Judaism (SAJ), South Asian Fund for Education Scholarship and Training (SAFEST), Tanenbaum Center, Turning Point for Women & Families, We Belong Here New York, and Yemeni American Merchants Association (YAMA).
Council Members and advocates gathered on the steps of Tweed Courthouse ahead of the City Council’s Stated Meeting to rally in support of the passage of Resolution 95. Speakers included Council Member Shahana Hanif, Husein Yatabarry (Executive Director of the Muslim Community Network), Dr. Debbie Almontaser (CEO of Bridging Cultures Group), Harmeet Kaur Kamboj (Senior State Policy Manager at the Sikh Coalition), and Japneet Singh (President of the NY Sikh Council).
“As the lead sponsor of Resolution 95 and Co-Chair of the Council’s Task Force to Combat Hate, I am proud to see the Council advance this important Resolution, which urges the Department of Education to collaborate with faith-based organizations to create a comprehensive curriculum on religious diversity for all grade levels,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “Educating students about New York City’s vibrant mosaic of religions is key to fostering understanding, respect, and mutual appreciation among our youth. Backed by a broad interfaith coalition, this resolution embodies the diverse religious tapestry of our city and emphasizes that religious discrimination can be challenged and unlearned. With a troubling rise of antisemitic, Islamophobic, and other hate crimes, it is more crucial than ever to cultivate inclusivity and prevent hate through education.”
“As New Yorkers, we celebrate the rich mosaic of cultures, beliefs, and identities that make our city unlike any other place in the world. Yet, in our schools, an essential part of this identity—our diverse religious beliefs—is often overlooked or misrepresented,” said Council Member Rita Joseph, Chair of the Council’s Committee on Education. “Reso 95 is more than legislation; it’s a commitment to a future where every child feels seen and respected in their education. This is about building understanding, breaking down prejudice, and weaving a stronger, more inclusive fabric for our society. At a time when incidents of religious bias and hate crimes are on the rise, our schools have a powerful role to play. By embracing and teaching religious diversity, we’re not only expanding our students’ understanding but fostering the compassion and respect that will help bridge divides. I am proud to support this resolution and to stand for an educational system that reflects the vibrant diversity of New York City. Every child deserves to see themselves, their families, and their beliefs honored and valued in their school experience.”
“This is a transformative moment for our City,” said Husein Yatabarry, Executive Director of Muslim Community Network (MCN). “The passage of this resolution signifies a collective commitment to nurturing an environment where every student feels respected and valued. Education is the most powerful tool we have to combat ignorance and hate, and we are proud to have been part of this vital initiative. We are particularly grateful to Councilwoman Hanif for her visionary leadership. Her dedication to this issue has been instrumental in turning this vision into reality.”
“With this resolution, schools across New York City are now better equipped to embrace and celebrate religious diversity,” said Afaf Nasher, Esq. Executive Director at CAIR-NY. “By engaging with faith-based organizations and addressing religious-based bullying transparently, we’re fostering a future where understanding and respect prevail over ignorance and hate.”
“We applaud the City Council for advancing this vital resolution,” said Joel Feliciano, Chief Operating Officer of Yemeni American Merchant Association (YAMA). “By recognizing the importance of religious diversity in our schools, we are taking a powerful step toward ensuring that every child feels respected, protected, and seen for who they are, regardless of their faith. This legislation is about creating a safe, inclusive environment where students can learn without fear of harassment and where their religious identities are honored through understanding and respect. It’s a commitment to fostering unity, celebrating diversity, and building a stronger, more compassionate New York City for the next generation.”
“Now more than ever before, students in New York City and across the country need and deserve an education that provides them with a sense of belonging and inclusion, as well as prepares them to participate in a diverse society with empathy and compassion for others,” said Harmeet Kaur Kamboj, Senior State Policy Manager at the Sikh Coalition. “We are grateful to Muslim Community Network and our numerous other coalition partners who have worked towards the passage of this resolution for years, and we look forward to working with them and New York City Public Schools to develop a curriculum that represents the full depth and breadth of religious diversity in our city.”
“After years of advocacy, Resolution 0095 will urge New York City Schools to incorporate religious diversity education. With reports indicating a significant rise in religious bias incidents within our schools, the urgency for action has never been more pronounced,” said Hizam Wahib, Assistant Executive Director of Arab-American Family Support Center (AAFSC). “This milestone represents a commitment to fostering understanding, inclusion, and respect for all faiths among students. Today, we acknowledge the efforts of all who have worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality, reinforcing the importance of inclusive education for a just society.”
“Religious diversity education will help our public schools support young New Yorkers of all faiths and none,” said Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer, Executive Director at Interfaith Center of New York. “Resolution 0095 is an essential step toward building a just and inclusive city.”
“Resolution 0095 is an important step to address bullying against religious minorities in our public schools, but it won’t only benefit religious students,” said Dr. Henry Goldschmidt, Director of Programs at Interfaith Center of New York and Director of the Religious Worlds of New York Summer Institute for Teachers. “In order to participate in civic life, ALL students to understand their neighbors’ beliefs and values. Religious diversity education is thus essential to the health of our multicultural democracy.”
“I’m overjoyed to have been a part of this initiative alongside my colleague Ajifanta Marenah and other coalition partners whose tireless advocacy resulted in this milestone,” said Reda Taleb, former Community Education Program Manager at the Muslim Community Network (MCN). “Resolution 0095 will help us all stay true to the city and democracy we aspire to be – and that begins by providing our students – the future leaders of the world – with the knowledge they need to embrace people of all faiths as they gain the necessary critical thinking skills that will aide them in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion for all. Most importantly, Res 0095 will ensure accurate classification of hate crimes in annual school reports and immediate notification and full disclosure to parents of hate crime statistics; and ensure that schools take actions to condemn bullying and harassment based on religious clothing, food requirements, and the need for prayer space and time year-round. Thank you to our elected officials who supported this and to our broad coalition for their unwavering advocacy.”
“This is a big moment for visible minorities and people of faith,” said Japneet Singh, President of the NY Sikh Council. “For years, we’ve had to live in the shadows and ignore our beautiful history. Now we have a moment where we can share the beauty of our faiths with all New Yorkers, fostering dialogue and education. This resolution will encourage New Yorkers to learn about each other, promoting love, peace, and harmony among us all.”
“Now more than ever before, students in New York City and across the country need and deserve an education that provides them with a sense of belonging and inclusion, as well as prepares them to participate in a diverse society with empathy and compassion for others,” said Harmeet Kaur Kamboj, Senior State Policy Manager at the Sikh Coalition. “We are grateful to the Muslim Community Network and our numerous coalition partners who have worked toward the passage of this resolution for years. We look forward to working with them and New York City Public Schools to develop a curriculum that represents the full depth and breadth of religious diversity in our city.”
“CACF joins MCN and all of its partners in celebrating the passage of Resolution 0095. This legislation is a crucial step towards teaching a culturally responsive curriculum inclusive of historically marginalized voices in the classroom,” said Vanessa Leung and Anita Gundanna, Co-Executive Directors of the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF). “When religious diversity is missing from curriculum, it can have detrimental impacts on the confidence and identity development of students belonging to religious minority communities, while also fueling harmful stereotypes and misunderstandings. We are grateful to legislative sponsor Councilmember Shahana Hanif and the diverse coalition of community-based organizations and New Yorkers who successfully advocated for the resolution’s passage.”
“The current political moment demands that we be intentional in promoting and celebrating multi-faith understanding and resisting religious hatred in all its forms,” said Robert Pezzolesi, Convener of the Interfaith Public Health Network. “Thanks to Council Member Shahana Hanif and her thirty-four Council co-sponsors, as well as Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, for offering this positive, education-based solution toward greater religious tolerance. Congratulations also to our friends and colleagues at the Muslim Community Network and their interfaith coalition for their diligence in seeing this resolution through.” Press Release.