The New York State Education Department prohibits nonpublic schools from delivering instruction of core subjects in a language that’s not English. These regulations purportedly aim to provide students at nonpublic schools with education “substantially equivalent” to that of public schools. However, public schools can deliver instruction in foreign languages, and are not to subject to this requirement.

The issue has been debated for a few years now, with activists campaigning on both sides. If this requirement is struck down, it would spell a win for the autonomy of nonpublic schools.

Will NYSED permit nonpublic schools to deliver instruction in a language other than English before the new school year begins?