The Freedom Foundation is using spurious charges of “antisemitism” to try to drag United Teachers Los Angeles through the mud in service of its anti-union political agenda.
In its lawsuit recently dismissed by Los Angeles District Court Judge Stephen Wilson, the FF’s litigants’ legal complaint opens with the thesis “UTLA supports calls for the destruction of Plaintiffs’ religious homeland, and promotes animosity and violence towards people of Jewish descent.” However, it never comes close to substantiating any of this.
Again and again the allegations boil down to the fact that most of the litigants’ UTLA colleagues and former colleagues simply don’t agree with the litigants’ views on the Israel-Gaza war. That’s not antisemitism.
Nonetheless, even though the FF, which vows to appeal its case to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and then to the U.S. Supreme Court, will continue to lose, for them, filing meritless suits based on spurious claims is a strategy. Their suits harass UTLA, waste teachers’ dues money, and gain them publicity.
In the wake of this defeat, FF’s Jeff Rhodes provides a laundry list of what he calls UTLA’s “anti-Jewish actions.” These claims are deceptive and misleading.
For example, Rhodes accuses UTLA of “consistently supporting, and many of its members concurrently belonging to, Union del Barrio, which has frequently called for the destruction of the state of Israel.”
What Union del Barrio actually does is denounce both Israeli and American government policies in Gaza, often quite passionately. But while some of their writers at times could use some decaf, what they write is factually defensible, in line with much world opinion, and not antisemitic.
UTLA members are often supportive of Union del Barrio because of their opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. These raids are hurting our students and their families, and UTLA educators are correct to oppose them.
Rhodes also criticizes UTLA’s Houses of Representatives, which he says “pass[ed] a motion expressing support for an ‘international campaign for boycotts, divestment and sanctions against apartheid in Israel.”
What actually happened was that in 2021 some UTLA chapter chairs in Harbor City wanted to join many in the international community in speaking out against the violence and destruction in Gaza. Their resolution, which cited both Israeli and international human rights groups in accusing Israel of “apartheid”, was passed in a democratic vote of chairs at five of UTLA’s eight area meetings but, contrary to Rhodes’ assertion, was not passed by UTLA’s HoR.
Before a vote on union resolutions condemning Israeli government policies, there are usually Jewish teachers speaking in opposition and a larger group of teachers, many Jewish, speaking in support. There are often as many Jews arguing for the resolutions criticizing Israel than there are against, sometimes more. Moreover, pro-Israel members can and do sponsor and advocate for their own pro-Israel resolutions.
In interviews on Fox News and others, FF lawsuit litigant Barry Blisten, a former UTLA member, cites actions and resolutions such as this as examples of what he calls UTLA’s “radical transformation.” To his credit, he never claims that the protests against Israeli government policies that he is criticizing did not originate with UTLA rank-and-file members. But that being the case, instead of collaborating with opponents of the union, he and other members who share his views should have advocated and argued for their positions within the UTLA’sdemocratic bodies, as they have every right to do.
Related Articles
Important win for free speech against California’s overly restrictive deepfake laws New FAIR Plan data reveals problem with zoning restrictions in California Newsom’s congressional redistricting drive in California faces political and legal hurdles Karen Bass and Kathryn Barger: Insurers need to step up for LA wildfire survivors After years of neglect, Southern California is finally secure from border threats Rhodes blames UTLA for “spending $700,000 to support a candidate for school board who publicly espoused conspiracy theories against Jews.” He is referring to UTLA’s endorsement of Khallid Al-Alim for LAUSD Board Area 1 for the March 5, 2024 election, but he omits a key part of the story: UTLA gave the donation when they had no idea about Al-Alim’s antisemitic posts. When UTLA learned of the posts, it immediately suspended its campaign on his behalf, and, after an expedited HoR vote, rescinded the endorsement.I know some of the people who were involved in interviewing candidates and making this misguided endorsement, and they described a charismatic candidate who was in touch with many of the problems LAUSD students face. The later discovery of Al-Alim’s antisemitic posts was an enormous and very unwelcome surprise.
UTLA’s endorsement of Al-Alim’s campaign was an embarrassing error that squandered union dues money. However, it was not antisemitic.
Neither is UTLA.
Glenn Sacks teaches Social Studies and is a representative of United Teachers Los Angeles at James Monroe High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Hence then, the article about glenn sacks anti union group deploys false allegations of antisemitism to attack utla was published today ( ) and is available on Los Angeles Daily News ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Glenn Sacks: Anti-union group deploys false allegations of ‘Antisemitism’ to attack UTLA )
Also on site :
- ‘Harry Potter’ Series Star Paapa Essiedu Says He’s Received Death Threats Over Snape Casting: ‘I’ve Been Told, “Quit or I’ll Murder You”’
- Door Cam Catches Healthcare Worker After 7-Hour Shift—Footage Says It All
- Dozens injured after missile strike in Southern Israel