Government Law Review Spring 26 Symposium: Transforming Futures: Education, Law, and Youth Wellbeing

The Government Law Review’s symposium, along with the Government Law Center, focused on education law, policy, and how to best support students. Three distinguished panels of experts covered a range of sub-topics including pressing issues in New York State education, special education, and equity in education. The program began with opening remarks from GLC Director Patrick Wildes ’16, GLR Editor-in-Chief Konrad Dalland ’26, and GLR Managing Editor for Business and Production Jessie Sullivan ’26. The first panel of the day, “Pressing Issues Facing K-12 Education in New York State,” marked the start of the Government Law Center’s 2026 Warren M. Anderson ’40 Legislative Series, sponsored by a contribution in the memory of Sharon P. O’Conor ’79. Panelists discussed major issues facing the K-12 education community and policymakers in New York, including school funding and the impact of the federal government’s immigration enforcement policy on students, families, and educators. The discussion was moderated by Kyle Belokopitsky, Esq. ’05, Executive Director of the New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers. Panelists included: • Dr. Jeffrey Matteson — Senior Deputy Commissioner for Education Policy, New York State Education Department • Shanell C. Brown, M.Ed. — President, Black and Brown Educators of the Capital District, and Assistant Principal, City School District of Albany • Dr. Cynthia Gallagher — Director of Government Relations, School Administrators’ Association of New York State • Robert Reilly, Esq. ’90 — General Counsel, NYSUT • Brian Cechnicki — Executive Director, Association of School Business Officials of New York Attendees enjoyed a luncheon keynote presented by Ann Marie Sullivan, MD, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health, about statewide efforts to address the mental health needs of children and teens. The second panel of the day examined special education law and efforts to support students with disabilities. The discussion was moderated by Dean Rosemary Queenan, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Law at Albany Law School. Panelists included: • Prof. Bridgit M. Burke — Clinical Professor of Law Emerita, Albany Law School • Prof. Amy Saji — Associate Professor of Law and Health Advocacy and Collaboration Law Clinic Director, Seton Hall Law School • Jacob D. Verchereau, Esq. — School Attorney, Questar III BOCES • Prof. Adrian E. Alvarez — Assistant Professor of Law, St. John’s University School of Law The third and final program of the day examined equity issues in K-12 education, including poverty, systemic racism, and disparities in student discipline. The discussion was moderated by Dean Jenean Taranto, Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Professor of Law at Albany Law School. Panelists included: • Prof. Diana Newmark — Associate Clinical Professor of Law, Director of the Education Advocacy Clinic, and Distinguished Public Service Scholar, The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law • Prof. Thalia Gonzalez — Professor of Law and the James Edgar Hervey ’50 Chair of Litigation, UC Law San Francisco • Rohini Singh, Esq. — Director of the School Justice Project, Advocates for Children of New York • Clarissa Jacobs — Native American Education Coordinator, New York State Education Department