Readers’ Feedback — November 15, 2024

The Concern: Elimination of New York Regents exams as a graduation requirement by fall 2027.

The end of the New York Regents exams and the Regents diploma signifies the current state of education we are in (“Regents Exams, RIP,” Editorial, Nov. 11).

Assessments like the Regents offer evidence that students have successfully grasped the necessary knowledge and skills of a specific curriculum.

While other nations prioritize student mastery of skills in the competitive global economy, many states are lowering their expectations for their students. Education leaders seem more focused on following trends rather than equipping the next generation to excel in the 21st-century global economy.

Francis Cooley

Plainville, Conn.

Eliminating the Regents exams provides inadequate teachers a pass, as it is one of the few standardized measurements of academic accomplishment throughout the state. It also prevents top students from receiving accurate rankings.

The only beneficiaries of this misguided move towards equity are subpar teachers and the teachers union. Perhaps that is the true intention of Chancellor Lester Young Jr.

Mel Young

Boca Raton, Fla.

Once again, the teachers unions triumph while our students suffer the consequences.

Teachers oppose the Regents testing as they aim to award diplomas even to students lacking essential reading and math skills. It is a familiar scenario: diminished standards make union teachers appear competent, even when they are failing our children.

We should raise the bar, not lower it, and hold students responsible. If we don’t, they will pay the price for the rest of their lives. Let’s not allow the union to harm our children.

Gene Lindsay

Mastic

The Post’s editorial succinctly lays out the reasons, beneficiaries, victims, and outcomes of the “equity” ideology.

This outstanding editorial should be displayed in the offices of every politician and educator nationwide.

Laz L. Schneider

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

At one time, New York set the standard for education due to the preparation required for the Regents exams.

Since union involvement, efforts have been made to lower standards — and now do away with them altogether.

Brian Keane

Patchogue

The Concern: Calls by liberal pundits for Justice Sonia Sotomayor to step down for quick replacement.

The recent political climate demonstrates that Democrats are willing to turn on their own (“Replace justice ‘with VP,’ ” Nov. 11).

It is hypocritical for them to pressure a Hispanic female Supreme Court justice to relinquish a lifetime appointment. The fact that Justice Sonia Sotomayor hails from The Bronx should not be overlooked.

The Democrats seem to have lost their moral compass.

They make no effort to conceal their disdain for the country. Their only concern is their own self-interests.

John Fleming

Punta Gorda, Fla.

Personally, I am not a fan of Justice Sonia Sotomayor. However, it is audacious for liberals to urge her to resign at age 70 with type 1 diabetes to serve their agenda of swift replacement.

Stay put, Justice. May you enjoy good health and continue to serve for many more years.

Louie Scarcella

Brooklyn

The notion that Vice President Kamala Harris could serve as a Supreme Court justice is nonsensical. No further explanation is needed.

Thomas Birnbaum

Manhattan

Share your thoughts on today’s topics by emailing letters@nypost.com. Include your full name and city of residence. Letters may be edited for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.