Key Takeaways:
– A proposal to move West Prep Academy into a former Catholic school in Manhattan has sparked controversy with claims of racism and anti-immigrant sentiment.
– The West Prep Academy, shared with P.S. 145 Bloomingdale School for over a decade, serves mainly Black, Hispanic, and disabled students whereas P.S. 145 caters to immigrants.
– P.S. 145 has significantly grown over the last two years with immigrant children seeking asylum in New York, intensifying space restrictions.
– Families from West Prep oppose the proposal, considering the suggested location unsuitable for their students, particularly those with disabilities.
– Petition to oppose relocation has gained over 1,900 signatures since its launch in January.
Controversial Relocation Proposal Sparks Debate
A proposed plan to transfer West Prep Academy, a middle school with a largely Black, Hispanic, and autistic student body, into an old Catholic school building has led to a public uproar. Allegations of racism and anti-immigrant sentiment are at the center of this rift, which has set two schools; West Prep and P.S. 145, The Bloomingdale School against each other.
The schools shared a building on 105th Street, Manhattan, for over a decade, each catering to a significantly different student demographic.
Growing Demand Pressures available Space
P.S. 145 offers classes in Spanish, Russian, and English and over recent years has experienced significant growth as it accommodates young asylum seekers from Russia, Ukraine, and South America. It’s estimated that the elementary school has welcomed over 150 immigrant children in the past two school years. This surge in enrolment has amplified space limitations and resulted in the loss of a music room, library, and other cherished school facilities.
The proposed solution from the city is to relocate West Prep to a 127-year-old building several blocks away.
Blowback from West Prep Families on the proposed move
This relocation proposal has ignited a substantial backlash from West Prep families who claim the older building is a downgrade and potentially hazardous for students with disabilities. West Prep’s student population does not seek additional space, and families are puzzled why they should be the ones to move.
Tyi Ellis, PTA president at West Prep expressed, “West Prep families felt like we were being pushed out. Why push out the Black and Brown youth to add a Russian dual-language program? There’s no Russians in the community.”
This sentiment has been echoed in a petition titled “Stop the displacement of West Prep Children.” To date, over 1,900 people have signed the petition, opposing the potential second relocation of the middle school within a decade.
Answering Charges of ‘Encroachment’
At a joint public hearing on the issue, families and educators from P.S. 145 rejected these claims.
“Families that show up at our doorstep at their most vulnerable state during horrific circumstances should not be described as ‘encroaching,'” responded Tetyana Sirman, who coordinates P.S. 145’s Russian dual-language program.
P.S. 145 has witnessed a 25% surge in elementary school enrolment over the last half-decade due to its expanded programs, including the addition of a 3-K program in 2021.
The New Building’s Drawbacks
Critics of the relocation proposal point out that the proposed building is not readily accessible to students with physical disabilities. It lacks outside space and its narrow corridors, old infrastructure, and fire risks are other concerns that families have flagged.
Amidst this contention, the final vote on the proposal, initially scheduled for this month, has been postponed to May. In the meantime, the debate continues as Manhattan schools grapple with the right solution for their students’ needs.
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