Some California teachers join in national day of action seeking safe, healthy, equitable schools

A coalition of education activists and teachers’ unions is participating in a “National Day of Resistance” seeking “safe, healthy” and “equitable” schools. The coalition – which includes teachers’ unions in Los Angeles, Oakland and West Contra Costa Unified – is conducting rallies on Monday, as well as an online petition drive with several goals, including removing police from schools, improving safety protocols when schools reopen, and directing more federal funds toward education.

In Oakland, the group planned a late afternoon rally outside La Escuelita Elementary, followed by a car caravan to Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell’s home. Members of the United Teachers of Richmond union in nearby West Contra Costa Unified planned to join the rally. They also sent a letter to the Contra Costa County Health Department and Contra Costa County Board of Education listing safe standards for reopening, which have been endorsed by 25 other educator unions in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

By 3:45 p.m., more than 2,900 people had signed a letter to President Donald Trump on Change.org posted by the Journey for Justice Alliance – a group of “predominantly Black- and brown-led” community organizations from 30 cities throughout the country. More information about the national day of action is at www.demandsafeschools.org.