Yeshivas fight back, claim county inspections ‘improper’, ‘draconian’

NEW YORK
The Journal News

[Copy of the letter sent by the attorney for the School Religious Freedom Coalition to the New York state education commissioner.]

Steve Lieberman and Michael D’Onofrio, slieberm@lohud.com June 1, 2016

Yeshivas say they want safe schools and are open to inspections but oppose the ‘draconian’ methods of County Executive Ed Day

A newly formed group of Rockland yeshivas has warned County Executive Ed Day that they believe his zeal for inspecting private schools violates the U.S. Constitution.

Members of what is being called the School Religious Freedom Coalition want a meeting with the state education commissioner to discuss a “reasonable” plan for carrying out fire and safety code inspections at local private schools.

Dennis Lynch, an attorney for the group, said organization members support the need for inspections and having safe schools for students but believe Day’s goal is to limit the growth of private schools.

They also feel the county executive’s language at a press conference last week was “inflammatory” and prejudicial, Lynch said.

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