WHEREAS, the New York State Education Department has canceled January Regents exams due to safety concerns and the lack of systems in place to ensure that the administration of the exam is fair and equitable for all students; and

WHEREAS, the safety of our students is paramount; and

WHEREAS, the COVID situation is unlikely to improve dramatically between January and April; and

WHEREAS, since September, 2020, schools have made the transition to in-person, blended and remote course instruction, which has resulted in a diversity of student educational experiences; and

WHEREAS, we cherish our newcomers just as we cherish all our students; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the UFT opposes the administration of the NYSESLAT exam during the 2020-21 school year; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the union will seek the support of its brothers and sisters in NYSUT in pursuing this policy decision; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the union will seek the cooperation of the state Board of Regents and the union's state representatives in the cancellation of this year’s NYSESLAT exam.