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Letter Writing Anyone?
2007-08-17
Letter CIF sent to UFT President Randi Weingarten
Dear Randi,
We are deeply disappointed and upset by your statements in opposition
to Debbie Almontaser. We believe your statements have played a role
in furthering the anti-Arab and anti-Muslim racism that pervades and infects
our City.
Aside from everything else that points to the racist nature of this
whole incident, do you not know that in most parts of the world, the
word intifada connotes resistance to an unethical and illegal and brutal
occupation? It is not the word intifada that promotes violence or that
should be denounced; rather, what should be denounced is an occupation
that promotes violence and that made the intifada necessary.
And do you also not know that if principals were forced to resign for
making a statement that someone thought was insensitive or
inappropriate or stupid (which this was not), we'd likely have almost
no principals left in NYC?
Finally, as you know, New York City has one of the most inequitable
and discriminatory school systems in the country--one that has grossly
under-served low income and families of color. It is our view that we
should be doing everything possible to support, not destroy efforts to
strengthen schools that promote critical thinking and a concern for
the world around us and that reflect, respect, and serve our many
different communities.
You are certainly entitled to your personal views on this matter, but
you represent the teachers of this city and need to be held
accountable for your public statements and positions. For the sake of
the children of our city and for a commitment to fighting racism and
injustice, we urge you to make a public apology for your comments that
helped lead to the resignation of Debbie
Almontaser.
Sincerely,
Center for Immigrant Families
New York City
For those who wish to send in emails of support, below is the contact info for the Board of Ed and other involved parties.
Joel Klein
Randi Weingarten (call and write)
United Federation of Teachers
52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004
212-777-7500
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg (phone, fax and email him)
City Hall
New York, NY 10007
PHONE 311 (or 212-NEW-YORK outside NYC)
FAX (212) 788-8123
New York Post
letters to the editor
NY Sun
105 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007
Main Telephone: 212-406-2000
Main Fax Number: 212-608-7348
Councilman Peter Vallone, Jr.
22-45 31st Street., Astoria
Astoria, New York 11105
District Office Phone No.: (718) 274-4500
District Office Fax No.: (718) 726-0357
Assem. Dov Hikind
1310 48th St.
Brooklyn, NY 11219
718-853-9616
-a