Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1512793
Panel on Extremism in Education W I T H L O C A L A S S O C I A T I O N S across the state working to defend their students and schools from extremists, a special panel convened Saturday afternoon featuring three educators who are leading the fights in their communities. Brenda Walker from Associated Chino Teachers, Megan Harwell from Kern County Education Association and Edgar Díaz from Temecula Valley Education Association spoke about the impact of attacks from extremist school board members on their students and community, and shared tips for what to do when extremists attack honest, inclusive education and the rights of LGBTQ+ students in school communities. " These policies are meant to make people uncomfortable and divide," Díaz said. "Don't argue on their terms — you have to continue to push for what's important to you." Discussion included the legal aspects of the attacks, the messages that have been helpful in building unity in local communities, and important steps for chapters to take now to have successful outcomes in school board races. From left: Brenda Walker, Megan Harwell, Edgar Díaz speech to Council touched on his gratitude for the privilege of working at CTA, but mostly focused on the need to push back on those who seek to undermine public education and society's democratic institutions. "If we don't all stand up now, the attacks will all come to each and every one of us sooner or later," he said. "Let's fight back against hate and intolerance with love and empathy that is laced with organized people and righteous power." Council elected the following NEA Directors: District 7 — Lorraine Richards District 11 — Yulil Alonso-Garza The General Session on Saturday ended with a song that the band wrote specifically for the occasion, "Stand With Me." Goldberg led into the song by exhorting the crowd to "stand with me" to fight to reimagine our public schools; for the contracts to keep educators in our profession; to fight racism, sexism and homophobia; to take on corporate greed. " We are the ones we've been waiting for!" For more on President Goldberg's report to State Council, visit cta.org/educator. e next State Council of Education meeting will be held Jan. 26–28 in Los Angeles. State Council delegates vote. Alum Rock Educators Association member Veronica Talton joined musicians including Ozomatli bassist Wil-Dog Abers (at right) onstage. United Educators of San Francisco President Cassondra Curiel, center and UESF members thank Council for help in securing a tentative agreement with its school district. 45 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 24