Petition to Support the Safe Classrooms Act of New York

Protecting Every Child. Supporting Every Educator.

We, the undersigned residents of New York State, respectfully call upon the Governor, the New York State Legislature, the New York State Education Department, and local Boards of Education to enact legislation requiring security cameras in self-contained special education classrooms throughout New York State.

Why This Matters

Every child deserves a safe, supportive learning environment.

Many students in self-contained special education classrooms are nonverbal, minimally verbal, or have significant communication, cognitive, behavioral, or medical disabilities. When a student cannot fully explain what happened during the school day, it can be difficult for families, educators, and administrators to determine the facts after an injury, behavioral incident, or allegation.

Thoughtfully implemented classroom cameras can provide an objective record when serious questions arise, helping to protect students, support educators, and strengthen trust between schools and families.

This proposal is not based on the belief that educators are doing anything wrong. In fact, we recognize and deeply appreciate the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of New York's special education teachers, teaching assistants, therapists, and school staff.

Objective video documentation can also protect educators from false allegations, provide clarity during investigations, and help resolve concerns fairly.

We respectfully request legislation that:

• Requires security cameras in self-contained special education classrooms serving students with significant disabilities.

• Prohibits cameras in bathrooms, changing areas, or other locations where privacy is expected.

• Ensures recordings are securely stored for a reasonable period of time and accessed only for legitimate purposes, such as investigations into reported incidents or as otherwise permitted by law.

• Protects student privacy in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

• Prohibits the routine use of classroom recordings for employee performance evaluations.

• Establishes clear statewide standards for recording retention, access, security, and accountability.

Our Goals

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe environment.

We believe families deserve confidence that concerns will be addressed fairly.

We believe educators deserve protection from false allegations through objective documentation.

We believe transparency strengthens trust.

By signing this petition, you support legislation that seeks to:

✔ Protect vulnerable students.

✔️ Support dedicated educators.

✔ Improve transparency and accountability.

✔ Build stronger partnerships between schools and families.

✔ Promote safe and supportive learning environments for every child.

Together, we can create classrooms where safety, trust, and respect are at the center of every child's education.