Nydia M. Velázquez
09/23/2024 | Press release | Archived content
Congresswoman Velázquez Announces Introduction of Federal Version of Mel’s Law
September 23, 2024
Bill Would Establish Policies for Awarding Posthumous Degrees at Federally Funded Universities and Colleges
Brooklyn, NY- Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) announced her intention to introduce a federal version of New York's Mel's Law. Velázquez's bill would require colleges and universities receiving federal funding to establish a policy to award posthumous degrees to students who pass away before completing their required coursework.
In New York, Mel's Law was introduced by Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest and Senator Jabari Brisport and signed into law in 2023 by Governor Kathy Hochul. The law requires the SUNY and CUNY boards of trustees to establish a policy for the awarding of posthumous degrees. The passage of the bill followed years of advocacy from Michelle Barnes-Anderson, whose son Melquain Jatelle Anderson was murdered in 2017 while a student at John Jay College, and her siblings Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes and Khadedra Miller.
During the press conference, 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.
"In New York, Mel's Law is honoring the legacy of students whose lives are tragically cut short and providing comfort to grieving families during the darkest of times. Now it is time to extend this policy across the country; it is the least the federal government can do for families that have suffered so much. I thank Michelle Barnes-Anderson, Assemblymember Souffrant Forrest, Senator Brisport, and Assemblymember Simon for all their work to make Mel's Law a reality in our state, and I look forward to getting this passed at the federal level."- Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez
"I stand for thousands of mothers and fathers putting Mel's Law on the National level as part of a healing process needed to move forward. As a Survivor and mother of a Forever 27 year old a death certificate is not supposed to be the certificate we receive, its their Degree." - Michelle Barnes-Anderson, CEO of the Melquain Jatelle Anderson Foundation
"Mel's Law represents the resilience of families who, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, continue to fight for dignity and justice. It was my honor to guide this legislation to passage in New York and to honor the memory of students like Melquain Jatelle Anderson by ensuring that their academic journeys, though tragically cut short, are not forgotten. By introducing Mel's Law at the federal level, Congresswoman Velázquez is taking an important step toward giving families across the country the recognition and closure they deserve. Together, we are turning grief into action, and I'm proud to stand with Congresswoman Velázquez, the Anderson family, and advocates for victims of gun violence in this fight."- New York State Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest
"We passed Mel's law here in New York to honor the achievements of our SUNY and CUNY students when they're taken from this world too soon. I'm grateful that Congresswoman Velázquez is leading the way to pass federal legislation that will expand that option to more parents and loved ones who are looking to heal and celebrate the people they've lost."- New York StateSenator Jabari Brisport
"Across the country, when students pass away before graduating, most schools have no mechanism to recognize their academic efforts and accomplishments posthumously. This is profoundly distressing for families, as they not only grieve the loss of a loved one but struggle with a lack of closure. I am grateful to Congresswoman Velázquez for introducing this legislation on the federal level and want to thank Assemblymember Souffrant-Forrest and Senator Brisport for leading its passage in New York State," said New York State Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon
Velázquez will introduce the bill in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims.
In New York, Mel's Law was introduced by Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest and Senator Jabari Brisport and signed into law in 2023 by Governor Kathy Hochul. The law requires the SUNY and CUNY boards of trustees to establish a policy for the awarding of posthumous degrees. The passage of the bill followed years of advocacy from Michelle Barnes-Anderson, whose son Melquain Jatelle Anderson was murdered in 2017 while a student at John Jay College, and her siblings Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes and Khadedra Miller.
During the press conference, 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.
"In New York, Mel's Law is honoring the legacy of students whose lives are tragically cut short and providing comfort to grieving families during the darkest of times. Now it is time to extend this policy across the country; it is the least the federal government can do for families that have suffered so much. I thank Michelle Barnes-Anderson, Assemblymember Souffrant Forrest, Senator Brisport, and Assemblymember Simon for all their work to make Mel's Law a reality in our state, and I look forward to getting this passed at the federal level."- Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez
"I stand for thousands of mothers and fathers putting Mel's Law on the National level as part of a healing process needed to move forward. As a Survivor and mother of a Forever 27 year old a death certificate is not supposed to be the certificate we receive, its their Degree." - Michelle Barnes-Anderson, CEO of the Melquain Jatelle Anderson Foundation
"Mel's Law represents the resilience of families who, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, continue to fight for dignity and justice. It was my honor to guide this legislation to passage in New York and to honor the memory of students like Melquain Jatelle Anderson by ensuring that their academic journeys, though tragically cut short, are not forgotten. By introducing Mel's Law at the federal level, Congresswoman Velázquez is taking an important step toward giving families across the country the recognition and closure they deserve. Together, we are turning grief into action, and I'm proud to stand with Congresswoman Velázquez, the Anderson family, and advocates for victims of gun violence in this fight."- New York State Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest
"We passed Mel's law here in New York to honor the achievements of our SUNY and CUNY students when they're taken from this world too soon. I'm grateful that Congresswoman Velázquez is leading the way to pass federal legislation that will expand that option to more parents and loved ones who are looking to heal and celebrate the people they've lost."- New York StateSenator Jabari Brisport
"Across the country, when students pass away before graduating, most schools have no mechanism to recognize their academic efforts and accomplishments posthumously. This is profoundly distressing for families, as they not only grieve the loss of a loved one but struggle with a lack of closure. I am grateful to Congresswoman Velázquez for introducing this legislation on the federal level and want to thank Assemblymember Souffrant-Forrest and Senator Brisport for leading its passage in New York State," said New York State Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon
Velázquez will introduce the bill in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims.
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