For Immediate Release
October 27th, 2021
Contacts:
Christina Romeo, New York Library Association, marketing@nyla.org
Jessica R. Wolff, DemocracyReady NY, wolff@tc.columbia.edu
Media Literacy Advocacy Coalition Supports Comprehensive Bill Package in NY
NEW YORK- Today, representatives from Media Literacy Now (MLN), the New York Library Association (NYLA), and the DemocracyReady NY Coalition, convened by the Center for Educational Equity (CEE) at Teachers College, Columbia University, are announcing the formation of a new coalition to advocate for media literacy education in the Empire State. Each group has a unique perspective regarding media and the importance of information literacy. As a coalition, the members will promote a comprehensive legislation package in 2022 that includes the following bills: A6153A, A6225A, A6142A and A8222.
Beginning in November 2021, the coalition will host three media literacy advocacy events. More details to come.
“Our organizations have been working together tirelessly on these bills pertaining to media literacy education, which are sponsored by Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. It is our hope that NYS can empower and educate our youth with the tools and resources they need to participate as thoughtful and productive members of society. There is no better time than now.” Jaclyn Siegel, Media Literacy Now
“Media literacy is an essential part of civic readiness, a goal that has been embraced by the Board of Regents and is the foundation of New York students’ right to education under the state constitution. Preparing all students to be effective civic participants and responsible consumers and users of media has bipartisan support. DemocracyReady NY is excited and hopeful about the future of our state and the education of our youth with the introduction of these four media literacy bills.” Jessica R. Wolff, DemocracyReady NY and the Center for Educational Equity at Teachers College, Columbia University
“With the support of the Legislature, school library media specialists and fellow educators, we have the ability to ensure that everyone has access to media literacy education in New York State. The legislative package provides comprehensive programs, direct instruction and professional support for our school staff. The library community is grateful for Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal and we look forward to the year of advocacy ahead.” Briana McNamee, New York Library Association
“Children between the ages of eight and eighteen now spend nearly eight hours per day, outside of school, viewing various forms of media. In the era of propaganda platforms masquerading as legitimate news outlets, young people must be provided with the knowledge necessary to distinguish fact from fiction, a task which has proven difficult even for many adults. As young people navigate an increasingly digital world, our schools must provide them the education necessary to access, evaluate and analyze the plethora of information they see online each day. I’m proud to be working with this coalition to advance legislation that will examine the current teaching of media literacy in schools statewide and implement all of the reforms necessary to ensure students become informed media consumers.” Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF – Manhattan)
About Media Literacy Now (MLN):
Media Literacy Now is leading the grassroots movement to create a public education system that ensures all students learn the 21st century literacy skills they need for health, well-being, economic participation, and citizenship. It is a politically neutral advocacy nonprofit with chapters in multiple states with the goal of making media literacy widely understood and accepted as an essential element in public education at the local, state, and national levels.
About DemocracyReady NY:
DemocracyReady NY is a statewide, nonpartisan, multigenerational coalition of organizations and individuals that works together to ensure that K-12 schools in New York State provide a comprehensive education that prepares all students to exercise their civic responsibilities. The DemocracyReady NY Coalition is convened by the Center for Educational Equity (CEE), a policy and research center at Teachers College, Columbia University.
About New York Library Association (NYLA): The New York Library Association (NYLA) is the voice of the library community in New York. NYLA is the oldest state library association in the country and represents school, college, special and public libraries, library staff, trustees, and students from around the state.
