During a recent New York City Council hearing focused on the FY26 Executive Budget, significant concerns were raised regarding the accessibility of higher education for students with disabilities. A senior staff attorney from the New York Lawyers for the Public Interest highlighted the urgent need for improved support services at City University of New York (CUNY) campuses. The attorney, who personally experiences a physical disability, shared troubling accounts of students facing systemic barriers, including denial of reasonable accommodations and inadequate support from disability service offices.

The attorney emphasized that while the proposed budget includes some increases for disability services, it falls short of what is necessary to create an inclusive educational environment. They called on the council to investigate ongoing discrimination and allocate essential funding to enhance staffing and training within these offices. The message was clear: without proper support, students with disabilities continue to struggle in their pursuit of education.

In a separate segment of the hearing, Christopher Leon Johnson expressed concerns about perceived hypocrisy among council members regarding campaign donations from DoorDash. He criticized the council for its stance on former Governor Andrew Cuomo's acceptance of a significant donation from the company while some members also benefit from similar funding. Johnson urged for transparency and accountability in these financial relationships.

Additionally, he called for the establishment of a subcommittee within the education committee to combat antisemitism, underscoring the need for focused efforts to address discrimination in the city.

The discussions at this hearing reflect ongoing challenges in ensuring equitable access to education and the importance of addressing systemic issues within city governance. As the council moves forward, the outcomes of these discussions will be crucial in shaping a more inclusive educational landscape for all students in New York City.