Students across New York State may soon be required to put away their cellphones during school hours under a new proposal announced by Governor Kathy Hochul.
The plan, which still needs legislative approval, would take effect next academic year and prohibit students from using their phones in class, during lunch, and even in hallways. Hochul argues that limiting smartphone access will help students stay focused in class and improve their mental health. However, some educators and advocates raise concerns about how this policy might affect immigrant students who rely on their phones for translation apps, staying connected with family, and accessing critical resources.
At the same time, immigration enforcement policies are also creating uncertainty for students and schools. The federal government has removed protections that previously limited immigration raids in sensitive locations like schools, meaning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents could now operate more freely on school grounds. This has raised concerns among immigrant families, with some districts reporting increased student absences due to fears of deportation.
Additionally, efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education are gaining momentum. Some lawmakers are pushing to shift control of education entirely to states, which could impact funding for low-income schools, special education programs, and federal civil rights protections. Critics argue that removing federal oversight could make it harder to ensure equal education opportunities for all students, particularly those from immigrant and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Monticello Central School District Superintendent Dr. Matthew Evans about the district’s policies on the cellphone ban, its stance on potential immigration raids in schools, and the possible dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education.
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