For Immediate Release

UFT responds to Bell verdict

Apr 25, 2008 5:54 PM

Three NYPD detectives were found not guilty on April 25 on all felony and misdemeanor charges in the November 2006 death of Sean Bell, who died in a hail of 50 police bullets.

Randi Weingarten issued the following statement to chapter leaders in response:

This is a solemn time for all of us as we absorb the news that the detectives have been acquitted on all charges in the November 2006 death of Sean Bell. Our hearts continue to go out to the Bell family, including his bride and children.

As you recall, the UFT Delegate Assembly voted to participate in a community march calling for justice and fairness in the aftermath of the emotionally-charged tragedy and the UFT Relief Fund at my request made a financial contribution to the Bell family.

After the verdict, people expressed outrage because they believed that justice was not served while others asked that our due process system – which we very much believe in – must be respected.

This morning, I reached out to school officials to see if they wanted to put together a coordinated response for Monday – thus far I have not heard back from them.

As always the burden falls on you, the school-based educators, to help make sense of this for kids next week. This is truly a teachable moment. You may want to facilitate an open discussion and give kids the space to express their emotions and experiences in a way that is constructive and respectful.

The bottom line is we need to work together and respect one another enough so that people, regardless of their race, feel safe and secure and respected on the streets of New York City.