(JTA) — New York City will fund security guards for non-public schools.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito announced Wednesday they had agreed on a bill that would require the city to provide each non-public school with more than 300 students with a private security guard.
The bill, which was sponsored by Democratic City Councilman David Greenfield, would make $19.8 million available to fund security at New York City’s private schools, Politico reported. It is the first time religious and non-public schools in the city will receive taxpayer-funded security, according to Politico.
“As security is increased in light of recent events and religious communities face especially heightened concerns, it is especially critical that all students are protected regardless of what kind of school they attend,” said Maury Litwack, director of state political affairs for the Orthodox Union.
