Senator Hwang Supports Proposed Study on Racial Imbalance Redistricting in School Systems

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2024

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Senator Hwang Supports Proposed Study on Racial Imbalance Redistricting in School Systems

SEN HWANG STATEMENT VIDEO LINK:  https://youtu.be/OdZGRgY_egk

HARTFORD: Senator Hwang submitted testimony to the CT General Assembly’s Education Committee on HB 5416, An Act Concerning Various Revisions to the Education Statutes. This comprehensive bill contains many important revisions to Connecticut’s education statutes. One provision addressing racial imbalance and school redistricting, reflecting a bipartisan and collaborative effort toward social and racial equity in educational success for all students, is language in section eight of HB 5416.

Senator Hwang supported section eight of HB 5416, which requires the State Board of Education to study the effectiveness of methods addressing racial imbalance in schools. One area that the study will look at is the redistricting of school districts to ensure better racial balances, and how the displacement of students impacts them. The study requires a cost-benefit analysis of various strategies to address racial imbalances and requires suggestions for new proposed strategies.

“I fully support this study and the efforts to address racial imbalances in schools. However, we must be sensitive to the impacts of displacement on children. Any time a child moves schools, they can face many challenges in their new environment. From making new friends to adjusting to new teachers and learning styles, children need support systems to help navigate this transition. This study should analyze whether or not additional funding is needed to pair redistricting efforts with increased funding for guidance counselors and mental health services for children who are displaced from their original school district during these efforts.” Remarked Senator Hwang.

“This study language works to thoughtfully develop an educational process that can better serve student achievement and avoid barriers to their success. This important and needed study must be passed so we can obtain crucial information on what is working, and what needs to be improved. At the end of the day, we all want to see the best process to address racial, social, and economic inequities that will lead to academic success in our school systems and will benefit every student.” Senator Hwang added.