BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — In his State of the State address this week, Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed that schools add a curriculum that teaches civic values, and the state's history of diversity and religious freedom.
The National Federations for Just Communities, an organization working to bring values of diversity and inclusion to schools, said the proposal is a wonderful idea.
"We have such a beautifully diverse country, and we have contributions from people of all backgrounds," said Lana Benatovich, President of the National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York. "So that means we have students and children from all different families from across this world."
NFJC's mission is to work with organizations and people of all cultures, religions, and backgrounds to overcome discrimination and racism.
It does this by building understanding and respect through education and community involvement.
Benatovich believes people become better individuals by understanding each other and being more tolerant.
"By having courses in each school throughout our state - hopefully throughout our country - where the students are able to discuss these issues and appreciate each other...personally I feel we're in dire need of that right now in our country," she said.
We reached out to Governor Cuomo's office to try and find out more information about the program, but so far have not heard back.
