“Trump’s attempt to force schools to reopen in order to force people back to work during an accelerating pandemic means disproportionately risking the lives of Black and Brown students and their families, who are more likely to have ‘essential’ jobs, insufficient health care, higher levels of preexisting health conditions, and to live in crowded housing,” said UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz.
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“The school board’s action is a huge first step in the campaign for police-free schools and ground-breaking in terms of our movement for supporting Black lives in our schools,” said UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz. “It was the power and passion in the streets across LA and this country, uplifting the voices of Black students, educators and families that made this happen. We can’t let up. We must keep fighting for our babies and our students.”
After a robust debate, the UTLA House of Representatives passed a motion Thursday night calling for the elimination of the LAUSD school police and to redirect funding to mental health and counseling for our students. The final vote was 154-56.
By calling for the elimination of school police funding, the UTLA Board is joining a push in Oakland, Richmond, San Francisco, Denver, Portland, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charlottesville, and many other school districts and cities, many of which have recently eliminated school police, and others of which are voting in the coming days to do so.
UTLA has a history of standing with those fighting for racial justice and supporting students who are leading in the movement.
A coalition of 12 of the largest teachers’ locals in the state — including UTLA — are warning state officials that reopening without the necessary funds will be unsafe and will deepen profound racial and class inequalities.
Read the latest member news updates regarding LAUSD school closures.
