Latest News and Comment from Education

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Black Lives Matter / United Federation of Teachers Resolution | JD2718

Black Lives Matter / United Federation of Teachers Resolution | JD2718
Black Lives Matter / United Federation of Teachers Resolution



Thanks to Arthur Goldstein for sharing this in advance

Delegates and Chapter Leaders should always, where feasible, receive resolutions, memoranda, etc in advance of a vote. I’m not sure why this does not always happen. Perhaps our leaders are used to dealing with members of their political caucus, Unity, whose members always vote as they are told, and don’t need to see the documents. But perhaps the resolutions for tomorrow’s Delegate Assembly will be sent out early enough in advance (this afternoon or evening?) for us to have a chance to read them before being asked to vote.

In any case, this is a good resolution. I will support it. I am especially interested in the five points at the end:

  1. End Zero Tolerance discipline in schools
  2. Mandate Black and Ethnic Studies in schools
  3. Hire more Black educators
  4. Fund more counselors, social workers, and mental health specialists
  5. Fully integrate our schools with proper and equitable funding for librarians, PSAL sports, and access to technology.

Each of them addresses something that is really necessary today. I am glad to see #3 – not enough of us are aware how Bloomberg/Klein’s policies targeted Black educators, and shifted hiring away from Black educators. My school is working on #2 right now. And frankly, I would put #4 higher on the list. And am I reading 5 correctly, it calls, among other things, for integrating our schools? Wow, completely needed.

Black Lives Matter resolution

WHEREAS, the United Federation of Teachers reaffirms Black Lives Matter, and

WHEREAS, the statement Black Lives Matter means that until people of African descent are treated CONTINUE READING: Black Lives Matter / United Federation of Teachers Resolution | JD2718