Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) released a letter Friday demanding an apology from the executive committee of the Rockland County Democratic Party’s calling for the Assemblyman to “go home” regarding Thursday’s press conference on the East Ramapo Central School District.

“I was shocked and disappointed that someone associated with the Democratic Party would seek to prevent someone from speaking out on an issue of grave importance, simply because they disagree with their position. This is not the way my Democratic Party operates,” Hikind said.

He added, “I have fought my entire life against any form of discrimination. That is what I stand for. I will not sit idly by while there is a potential to make a mockery of the Democratic process.”

“The idea of a monitor with veto powers, which would essentially usurp an elected school board, whom the people of the community voted for, goes against everything we stand for in America. I will continue to fight and stand for the education of all students, as they are the future,” said Assemblyman Hikind.

The report, titled, “Opportunity Deferred: A Report on the East Ramapo Central School District” was authored by Dennis M. Walcott, the former Chancellor of New York City schools, Dr. Monica George-Fields, and Dr. John W. Sipple, who were appointed to a three-member panel by the Board of Regents. The report recommends 19 proposals such as pursuing legislative action that would give the monitors increased authority, including veto power over the elected school board. “If you allow an appointed monitor to veto decisions of the duly elected East Ramapo School District, then other appointed monitors can do the same in other districts. Where will it end?” Hikind said.

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Please see a copy of the letter here.

The text of the letter follows:

December 18, 2015

Ms. Kristen Zebrowski Stavisky
Chairwoman, Rockland County Democratic Committee
Assistant Secretary, New York State Democratic Party
3 East Evergreen Road
New City, NY 10956

Dear Ms. Stavisky,

I am writing in regards to the statement issued by the executive committee of the Rockland County Democratic Party published yesterday, demanding that I not interfere on the East Ramapo Central School District issue. To demand that I “go home” and that my “opinion and the opinions of all those who stand with” me is unconscionable.

I was shocked and disappointed that someone associated with the Democratic Party would seek to prevent someone from speaking out on an issue of grave importance, simply because they disagree with their position. This is not the way my Democratic Party operates.

The idea of a monitor with veto powers, which would essentially usurp an elected school board, whom the people of the community voted for, goes against everything we stand for in America. I refuse to remain silent on that issue. As a representative of the New York State Assembly, I will not just merely “go home.” I will continue to fight and stand for the education of all students, as they are the future.

These comments about me, and what I stand for, are egregious. I have fought my entire life against any form of discrimination. That is what I stand for. I will not sit idly by while there is the potential to make a mockery of the Democratic process. I believe we deserve better. Therefore, I demand an apology and look forward to addressing this dilemma for the sake of all parties involved.

Sincerely,

Dov Hikind
Member of Assembly

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