We are excited to share that the New York City Council passed a long-awaited update to Local Law 2. For years, New York City’s Local Law 2 has been a vital tool in protecting students at nonpublic schools, including yeshivas and Jewish day schools. By providing funding for security guards, it has helped safeguard campuses across the city. However, a significant gap in its original framework left over 500 smaller schools—enrolling a total of 67,000 students—without access to this essential protection due to a minimum enrollment requirement of 300 students.
Now, a recent amendment has changed that, lowering the eligibility threshold to 150 students. This update is a major win for these institutions, ensuring they can access critical security funding. The change is particularly urgent in light of a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents, especially after October 7th, highlighting the need for increased safety measures in schools serving diverse communities.
This expansion not only creates safer learning environments but also gives parents and educators peace of mind. Students can now focus on their education without constant concerns about security threats. At a time of growing societal tensions, this amendment reflects the city’s commitment to equity and the moral imperative of protecting every child.
The legislative milestone follows our dedicated advocacy efforts, including testimony before the City Council, to address the inequity in the original law. Thanks to the amendment, many more nonpublic schools meeting the new 150-student minimum can now secure the funding they need for essential safety measures. Together, we’re building a future where security is a standard—not a privilege—for all schools, ensuring many more students have the protection they deserve.