Experts, Government Officials Kick Off Policy-Focused Equity Conversation Series 

Led by Council Member Nantasha Williams, the three roundtable discussions seek to produce real solutions to the ongoing equity crises in New York City

(NEW YORK) – Leading academics, practitioners, subject-matter experts, and New York City government officials will gather Thursday, December 14, for the first in an unprecedented series of intensive invite-only roundtables focused on addressing equity issues within education, mental health, and the justice system.

The roundtable events are conceived of and convened by Council Member Nantasha Williams in partnership with the NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research; the Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools at NYU Steinhardt; the Research Alliance for New York City Schools at NYU Steinhardt; the Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at NYU School of Law; and with support from the Vera Institute of Justice. Each roundtable is designed to transcend a mere discussion of problems, using the dialogues to generate a series of policy recommendations for city government. These recommendations, set to be unveiled following the series, will offer concrete strategies to effectively address persistent equity gaps in each focus area, in substantive and measurable ways.

“Our historic women-majority and most diverse City Council has been laser-focused on advancing solutions with equity as a core guiding principle,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Supporting our immigrant students, expanding mental health support for our city's youth, and employing effective alternatives to incarceration that improve public safety and advance closure of Rikers must be priorities for our city. I thank Council Member Williams, NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, and other partners for leading these discussions to explore what local policymakers can do to confront these issues. I look forward to reviewing the recommendations from this important series of roundtables.”

Council Member Nantasha Williams said, “As we embark on this transformative initiative, uniting experts, government officials, and passionate advocates, I am excitedly anticipating the upcoming roundtables. In discussions on education, mental health, and justice, we are not just identifying problems but actively crafting solutions. These policy recommendations aim to redefine equity in our city, leaving a legacy of lasting change for New Yorkers. Together, let our collective efforts inspire meaningful progress and pave the way for a more equitable future.”

“Communities across New York City have borne the consequences of steadily rising poverty and inequality. At NYU McSilver, we have found through our research that the most acute challenges for these constituencies occur within the educational, mental health, and criminal justice systems,” said Rose Pierre-Louis, Executive Director of the NYU McSilver Institute. “As a city we have the capacity to do more than simply diagnose problems; it is our obligation to identify and eradicate these systemic challenges. We appreciate the vision of Council Member Nantasha Williams, who has been the catalyst for ensuring the focus of these convenings remains solutions-oriented and policy-driven, and look forward to engaging with roundtable participants, stakeholders, and members of the City Council.”

“Sustainable and impactful change happens when diverse minds come together, united in their commitment to shared goals. We are pleased to join the upcoming roundtable discussions and collaborate with community members, institutions, organizations, and fellow government leaders on tangible strategies to tackle inequities,” said NYC Chief Equity Officer and NYC Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice Commissioner Sideya Sherman. “We commend Council Member Williams and the program partners for facilitating this crucial cross-sector dialogue and eagerly look forward to the new ideas, synergies, and partnerships that will emerge.”

The first roundtable will focus on education issues, specifically newcomer immigrant and asylum seeker youth in New York City public schools. The roundtable is led by Dr. Fabienne Doucet, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools at NYU Steinhardt; and Dr. Cheri Fancsali, Executive Director of The Research Alliance for New York City Schools at NYU Steinhardt.

Two additional roundtables are scheduled to be held in the coming weeks. The second, on Tuesday, January 16, will focus on outstanding mental health equity issues among youth. Dr. James Rodriguez, Senior Director of Clinical Services at the NYU McSilver Institute, will moderate the expert panel of leading academic and advocate voices from some of the most respected and venerable institutions in the city. In attendance will be New York City Council Committee on Mental Health, Disability and Addiction Chair Council Member Linda Lee.

The third and final roundtable on Friday, January 26, will engage with equity issues within the criminal justice space, especially those related to New York’s parole system and NYC’s pre-trial detention regime, and ways to keep individuals and families from facing the negative impact of incarceration. The Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at NYU School of Law Executive Director Jason D. Williamson, Esq., will moderate a panel of seasoned justice reform advocates and academics. New York City Council Member Lincoln Restler, who sits on the Council’s Committee on Criminal Justice, will attend.

Press Contact: Colby Hamilton, bch5891@nyu.edu

Please note: Events are invite-only and closed to the public.