around the uft

A fighter retires

May 22, 2008 11:44 AM

Alice Holloway, who for many years as the District 17 representative was always a shark when it came to protecting members’ rights, was honored at a retirement party on May 1. UFT President Randi Weingarten noted that “Alice made Muhammad Ali’s ‘Thrilla in Manila’ look like a sandbox spat when she came face to face and toe to toe with principals or anyone else who was abusing our members.” Martha Lane, a Brooklyn special representative, recalled an occasion when sparks flew between Alice and a superintendent. "It was total war,” Lane said. “Alice wouldn't back down because it was a matter of contract and principle. But a few days later the superintendent presented her with a Coach bag, briefcase and hat for her birthday. Alice could build bridges with adversaries because she had their respect." Several years back, Holloway championed the case of a principal, the sixth the school had had in five years. He had turned his school around but was ousted because, it became clear, of his camaraderie with teachers. Alice was praised by a series of speakers for performing great and loyal service to a community that has always had to struggle for its share of resources and support.