Congressmember’s bill to honor slain and deceased students

September 24, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

Share this:

DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — LOOKING AHEAD TO NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR HOMICIDE VICTIMS, Brooklyn Congressmember Nydia M. Velázquez (D-07) held a press conference on Monday to push for a federal version of Mel’s Law. In New York, the law grants academic degrees posthumously to students who were murdered before graduating from the state and city university systems.

Rep. Velázquez will be introducing the federal version of Mel’s Law in Congress on Wednesday, Sept. 25, to observe the National Day of Remembrance. Like New York’s law, this federal legislation would also require colleges and universities receiving federal money to establish a policy on granting degrees to students after death. The press conference was held at John Jay College, where Melquain Jatelle Anderson was pursuing a degree before he was killed in gun violence. Local elected officials and anti-gun violence activists discussed the need for a federal version of Mel’s Law to provide solace for grieving families and help cement the legacy of thousands of students who pass away annually before completing their degrees.

Also taking part in Monday’s press conference were Assemblymembers Jo Ann Simon (D-52) and Phara Souffrant Forrest (D-57) and State Sen. Jabari Brisport (D-25).

✰✰✰