06 August 2020

• NYSUT and UFT demand clear statewide policy for building shutdown, tracing, quarantine protocols in the event of positive COVID-19 cases in schools

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  ALBANY, N.Y. Aug. 5, 2020 — As the state prepares to make decisions regarding reopening school buildings this week, New York State United Teachers and the United Federation of Teachers today demanded that state health officials issue clear protocols for how and when school districts must close their buildings, and how health officials will perform contact tracing and initiate quarantines in the event of a positive COVID-19 case in a school this fall.

  The unions believe that if districts are to move forward with reopening their school buildings, they must err on the side of caution at all times. Specifically, in the event of a positive COVID-19 case, the unions are calling for the immediate closure of that school

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• Voting rights challenged as U.S. marks anniversaries of 19th Amendment, Voting Rights Act

  An illustrated postcard, magazine and billboard campaign that ran in the U.S. and England between the 1890’s and early 1900’s announced that women’s rights were dangerous, and letting women think for themselves could only result in a “nightmarish society?”

  Women suffragists endured not only this derision, but also much harsher obstacles as well on the long and harrowing journey to gain the right to vote. Their accomplishments are being made more visible this month on the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment.

  The 19th Amendment was a major achievement, but it was not inclusive. It did not allow minority women to vote. It was not until 1965 that Black and brown women were

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• NYSUT and GNCUT call for clear state guidance for positive COVID-19 cases in schools

  ALBANY, N.Y. July 30, 2020 — New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta and Greenburgh North Castle United Teachers President Anthony Nicodemo released the following statement today regarding the need for clear state guidance in the event of a positive COVID-19 case in a school setting:

  “The situation in Greenburgh-North Castle has highlighted the need for clear guidance regarding steps that will be taken in the event of a positive COVID-19 case in a school setting. Health and safety is of the utmost concern in reopening schools

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• Author Ibram X. Kendi kicks off NYSUT's 'Many Threads - One Fabric' series on equality Aug. 6

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  NYSUT President Andy Pallotta and AFT President Randi Weingarten will host a virtual event Thursday, Aug. 6, from 4–5 p.m. with Ibram X. Kendi, author of the book “How to be an Antiracist.”

  This will kick-off NYSUT's year-long series “Many Threads – One Fabric,” led by NYSUT Secretary-Treasurer J. Philippe Abraham and offering professional development and trainings to address institutional racism.

  For more information on our guest speaker, please visit www.prhspeakers.com.

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• NYSUT statement on the resignation of Interim State Education Commissioner Shannon Tahoe

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  ALBANY, N.Y. July 24, 2020 — New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta released the following statement today regarding the resignation of Interim State Education Commissioner Shannon Tahoe:

  “In an incredibly difficult time, Interim Commissioner Tahoe has been willing to work with us to ensure our students and school staff have the highest-quality education system possible. We wish her well in her next endeavor. Looking ahead, Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa has been and continues to be a tireless, steady leader who puts our students first. We will continue working with her to ensure our public schools are not just meeting the needs of students, but that schools also are safe and

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