Senate bill strives to diversify teaching profession in New York In Capital Region, a 'diversity gap' persists in public schools FacebookTwitterEmail Majority Leader of the New York State Senate Andrea Stewart-Cousins speaks about the coronavirus during a press conference at the Capitol on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times Union ALBANY — The state Senate majority conference advanced a host of bills Wednesday seeking educational equity in New York, including creating pathways for more people of color to become educators. The legislation requires investment in "grow your own" teacher initiatives, expands eligible religious holiday observances for SUNY and CUNY students, seeks ways to increase SUNY participation in financial aid grants for underserved populations, and provide more support, training, and mentorship opportunities for educators.