Former New York Governors David Paterson and George Pataky Demand More Charters to Help Minorities

Two former New York governors told The Post they are pushing for more charter schools to give minorities a chance at an education.

Former Gov. David Paterson, a black Harlem native, helped increase the number of charter schools in the state over a decade ago and hails Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal for more schools as a win for black students.

“There was a racist notion that black students were worse. Charter schools threw that racist glare out the window,” Paterson said.

“The fight for charter schools is one of the arguments that breaks my heart. We do not think about the final product – children,” he said. “Charter schools deserve the accolades they receive. They’re doing a great job.”

Former three-time Governor George Pataki, who in 1998 approved legislation initially allowing charter schools in the state, said it was “outright” racism for elected officials to block the expansion of publicly funded, privately run alternative schools.

“It’s immoral,” he said. “It is outrageous that the legislature does not give mainly minority parents the opportunity to improve the education of their children.

“This is just discrimination and injustice… and there is no excuse for that.

“Education is the civil rights issue of our time,” Pataki said.

“Opponents of charter schools are doing this at the behest of the teacher union and the school. The Democratic Left is so indebted to the teachers’ union and the educational institution.

“The next time the Democrats on the left complain about income inequality, hold them to account and ask why they don’t support expanding charter schools.

“Charter schools have begun an experiment. The experiment was a success. Children are learning.

“There is no reason for the cap to exist.”

Paterson recalled being at an event in Harlem where a charter school held a lottery to select students, and saw the anguish on the faces of parents whose children were not selected.

“My parents who didn’t come gave me trouble. I don’t remember ever being greeted like this,” he recalled.

“I feel sorry for charter schools that have been approved and are languishing on waiting lists to reopen,” the former governor said. “We need to put politics aside and do what works and not do what doesn’t.

“The legislature should give the governor some leeway. What Governor Hochul is proposing is a good idea.”

Paterson’s thoughts were echoed by Rubén Diaz Sr., a former Democratic councilor and state senator who was one of the few elected officials who campaigned for charter schools when he was in office and still serves as head of the Bronx-based Association of Latin American Clergy.

“Closing charter schools is racist,” Diaz said.

“The legislature is controlled by black and Hispanic legislators and they are fighting charter schools. Charter schools help black and Hispanic children. We need Governor Hochul and the Legislature to expand charter schools, not stop them.”