Report of Regents Cultural Education Committee to The Board of Regents

The Cultural Education Committee held its scheduled meeting on June 12, 2023. All committee members were present except Regent Elizabeth S. Hakanson, who was excused.  Chancellor Lester W. Young, Regent Wade S. Norwood, Regent Kathleen M. Cashin, and Regent Judith Chin also attended the meeting

MATTERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD ACTION

Deputy Commissioner’s Report - Department staff presented a history of the Juneteenth holiday.  Staff also presented a review of cultural resources available to students, teachers, and parents as well as collaborations with P-12 education.  These resources and collaborations include:  the FindNYCulture.org website; the NY Minute in History podcast; the P-3 cultural resources projection; and the Office of Cultural Education’s newsletter. 

Friends of the LongHouse Petition for Removal of the Trustees of LongHouse Reserve – Department staff presented the issue of whether the Cultural Education Committee should recommend to the full Board of Regents to hold a hearing pursuant to Education Law § 226 (4) and 8 NYCRR 3.31(t) on the application of the representatives of the “Friends of LongHouse” to remove respondents as Trustees of LongHouse Reserve. 

Department staff presented two options for the Committee’s consideration:  1) dismiss the petition and forego a formal hearing or 2) recommend to the full Board of Regents to conduct a hearing.  Regent Catania motioned to dismiss the petition and forego a hearing and Regent Cea second the motion.  Regent Roger Tilles and Regent Cotrell recused themselves and the motion passed unanimously.