What is Integrate NYC?

Integrate NYC is a youth-led organization based on the mission of repairing the harm from segregation and building equality in NYC public schools. They believe the students are most exposed to racism in schools and are therefore experts on the subject. At Integrate NYC, they are also advocates for more involved school systems and solution makers. They intend to create a diverse and inclusive environment for students of any race. These students believe in the five R’s: Race and Enrollment, Resources, Relationships, Restorative Justice, and Representation.

They want all of the resources available to be equitably distributed into all of the public schools. Things like:

• Qualified Staff

• Support for Failing Students and Overwhelmed Teachers

• Updated Curriculum

• Technology

• Sports Teams

• Afterschool Programs

• Inhabitable Buildings with Reasonable Class time

These are only a few things that they demand to be accessible to NYC public schools. They aren't just demanding what they want though, they are actually taking action as well.

Integrate NYC aligns and works with Fair Play Coalition and the Alliance Of Quality of Education to do what they can. They recognize and try to redesign the sports programs to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their race. The 1.6 billion owed to NYC public schools from the state of NY is also something that they address in their actions. Integrate NYC pressure NYC officials into action by taking part in protests and rallies.

Restorative Justice is also a big part of what these students work towards. They demand that schools should be free of NYP, Military presence, treat students that need help with care, and try to encourage and inspire student leaders. The students are inspired by other activists work towards this and say that they pledge to make sure there is: 

• A divestment from students going straight to prison after doing something bad and an investment in supportive programs that help and guide the student so that they can thrive.

• An investment towards Restorative Justice Training for all school staff, more guidance counselors, and social workers hired.

• Every school has a full-time Restorative Justice Coordinator (just like ours has Mr. Dallas).

Here is what Ms. Yoon says about Integrate NYC:

Teyo: Why did you choose to be a representative for 447 for  Integrate NYC?

Ms. Yoon: I got an email from Principal Rusch at the beginning of last year and it sounded really interesting to me. I got to meet students and teachers from other NYC schools and it was a student-led organization that I wanted to check out.

Teyo: How is it affecting 447 as a school?

Ms. Yoon: It gives the students a space to discuss issues in schools if they join it.

Teyo: Have you noticed any positive change in NYC public schools?

Ms. Yoon: Students now have a safe space to be who they are and they also got rid of the testing policy that forces students to take a test to get into a middle school.

Teyo: What do you think still needs to be done in order for schools to be equitable?

Ms. Yoon: They need to focus on the five R’s so that everyone is included no matter what their race or sexual identity is.

If you wish to join Integrate NYC or get notifications about what they are doing, contact Hera Yoon, our assistant principal, she can be reached at hyoon@ms447.org. Another thing you can do if you want to learn even more about it is go to Integrate NYC’s website; integratenyc.org.