Resolution to establish task force on civil and human rights (12-07)

Jan 22, 2008 1:29 PM

Whereas, as an organization of educators, trade unionists and Americans, the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) has long been committed to the principles of equality and justice for all; and

Whereas, together with our national affiliate, the American Federation of Teachers, we have opposed any discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and national origin; and

Whereas, to realize these commitments, the UFT has a standing committee, the Committee for Social and Economic Justice, which focuses on the non-contractual issues that fall within the broad purview of our trade union philosophy of political, economic and social democracy – human rights, labor rights, civil rights and social and economic justice; and

Whereas, reports of hate crimes against people of color, immigrants and minority religions have risen recently by 7.8%, demanding action from all Americans of good will; and

Whereas, particularly troubling and offensive among those hate crimes has been the recent proliferation of a violent and threatening symbol of the lynching of people of color and ethnic minorities, the noose, from Jena to Columbia University to our own New York City public schools; be it therefore

Resolved that the UFT rededicate itself to the struggle against racism an against all forms of hate and discrimination, and to the promotion of the democratic principles of equality and justice for all; be it further

Resolved that the UFT establish a Task Force on Civil and Human Rights, with a membership appointed by the President from volunteers in our ranks, to address the specific issue of our contribution to the struggle against hate crimes and against the prejudice toward people of color, immigrants and minority religions and faith communities which gives rise to and fuels those hate crimes; be it further

Resolved that this Task Force be mandated to recommend and organize UFT actions to advance civil and human rights, including, but not limited to, the development of educational programs and forums for our members, parents and students; the development and promotion of instructional and curricular materials; and the publication of articles and information in union media.

Passed at the Dec. 12, 2007 UFT Delegate Assembly.