Former Governor Pataki condemns elimination of New York Regents exams as ‘incredibly stupid’

George Pataki, a three-term former New York governor, denounced Governor Kathy Hochul and the Democratic-controlled Board of Regents for scrapping the mandatory Regents exams, labeling the policy shift “incredibly stupid.” Pataki argued the tests, introduced during his tenure, provide essential data to address failing schools, and their removal will obscure educational shortcomings. He also cited a Brooklyn elementary school controversy involving journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones as evidence of broader systemic issues.

The Board of Regents voted to make the exams optional while it works on alternative graduation requirements, with the State Education Department planning portfolio-based assessments that emphasize critical-thinking skills. Education officials, including Commissioner Betty Rosa, said the change aims to promote equity and modernize standards, while critics like Stan Litow warned that eliminating accountability without a replacement is flawed. The debate is becoming a focal point in the upcoming gubernatorial race.