Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1130365
SOLIDARITY WITH STRIKING NEW HAVEN TEACHERS When Council met, the members of New Haven Teachers Association (NHTA) were on strike for the schools their students deserve. The New Haven Unified School District superintendent had walked out of numer- ous negotiating sessions and two consecutive school board meetings were canceled when board members refused to listen to the concerns of their community. President Heins said CTA firmly stands with NHTA. "We want to send a loud message of solidarity to the 600 New Haven members. You are not standing alone," he said. "CTA's got your back. Edu- cators across the state are standing on those picket lines with you!" COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF STONEWALL Fifty years ago, members of the LGBTQ+ community stood together and fought back when police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York City. This uprising is widely considered to be the most important event leading to the gay lib- eration movement and the modern fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. During Pride Month, CTA commem- orated the historic Stonewall uprising with a special installment curated by the CTA Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Issues Advisory Committee that chronicled Stonewall and its impact on our nation. FAREWELL TO LONGTIME LEADERS, WELCOME TO NEW ONES The proverbial torches were passed this weekend as CTA bid farewell to longtime leaders of our union and welcomed new ones. Council said tearful goodbyes to CTA Vice President Theresa Montaño, District C Director Terri Jackson and District O Director José Alcalá. Congrat- ulations to newly elected directors: • District C: ANGEL A NORMAND • District E: SHELLY GUP TON • District I: CHRIS BUSHÉE • District O: GREG ABT • District Q: SUSAN GREEN • NEA Alternate (Seat 3): LUCIANO ORTIZ NEA VICE PRESIDENT PRINGLE INSPIRES COUNCIL This year's activism in Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento and locals throughout California has inspired educators across the country, said NEA Vice President Becky Pringle in a rousing speech to Council. She congratulated CTA members and supporters of public education on the successful #RedForEd Day of Action, and for calling attention to the fact that California has the fifth-largest economy in the world but insufficient public school funding. "How can anyone in a position of power justify that you are 44th in school funding?" she asked. "It is time that this state invested in students! It's time educators were valued for the caring and valuable pro- fessionals they are!" OUTSTANDING MEMBERS AND ALLIES HONORED The last State Council of the year means honoring educators, supporters and students who have gone above and beyond in service to CTA, public education, our students, and the values that make us strong. Council honored former Gov. Jerry Brown with the State Gold Award, a number of amazing members with WHO (We Honor Ours) awards, outstanding jour- nalists who tell our compelling stories with the 60th annual John Swett Awards, and inspiring students with Youth Activist Awards. Mayan Women in LA and their Las Fotos Project were among the winners of the Youth Activist Awards, given by the Peace and Justice Caucus. 54 cta.org CTA & You