Res. No. 727
Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation establishing felony-level penalties for qualifying assaults against school supervisors, administrators, principals, assistant principals, and other pedagogical staff performing their official duties, and strengthening protections against threats, harassment, and intimidation directed at such personnel and their immediate family members
By Council Member Morano
Whereas, New York City public schools employ thousands of principals, assistant principals, supervisors, and other pedagogical staff who are responsible for maintaining safe and orderly learning environments and responding to conflicts, emergencies, disciplinary incidents, and other challenges affecting students and school communities; and
Whereas, School leaders and other educational personnel experience threats, intimidation, harassment, and physical violence while carrying out their professional responsibilities, including incidents occurring on school grounds and harassment occurring through social media and other online platforms; and
Whereas, School supervisors and administrators are entitled to perform their professional responsibilities without fear for their personal safety or the safety of their immediate family members; and
Whereas, Violence and threats directed at school personnel can disrupt school operations, undermine staff morale, contribute to burnout and attrition, and negatively affect students' ability to learn in safe and stable environments; and
Whereas, The American Federation of School Administrators has called for legislation making assaults against school supervisors, administrators, and their immediate family members a felony, citing concerns about threats, harassment, intimidation, and violence against school leaders; and
Whereas, In 2021, the United States Attorney General directed federal law enforcement officials to coordinate with state and local law enforcement leaders to address threats against school administrators, teachers, and staff, including by improving threat reporting, assessment, and response; and
Whereas, New York State Penal Law §120.05(10)(a) currently classifies as Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D felony, the intentional causing of physical injury to an employee of a school or public school district when the offense occurs on school grounds and the statutory requirements are met; and
Whereas, Existing law does not establish this proposed separate offense for assaults against school personnel occurring outside school grounds because of their official duties, and additional legislation could extend enhanced protections to qualifying assaults against school personnel and their immediate family members when committed in connection with such duties; and
Whereas, Threats, harassment, stalking, and intimidation directed at school personnel or their immediate family members may be used to retaliate against or influence school personnel because of actions taken in their official capacities, warranting consideration of stronger legal protections; and
Whereas, Protecting the physical safety and well-being of school leaders and pedagogical staff is essential to maintaining stable educational environments and supporting the recruitment and retention of qualified professionals in New York's public schools; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation establishing felony-level penalties for qualifying assaults against school supervisors, administrators, principals, assistant principals, and other pedagogical staff performing their official duties, and strengthening protections against threats, harassment, and intimidation directed at such personnel and their immediate family members.
CMB
LS#24430
10/27/2026