First, our hearts and deepest condolences go out to all the victims of the Las Vegas attack. We know words are not enough and that preventative, real action must be taken. As shared by BPS, please see this guidance from the National Association of School Psychologists on how to talk to students about violence.
DeVos protesters drape banners over the balconies of the Kennedy Center. This one reads, “Educational justice is racial justice.” Credit: Bianca Vazquez-Toness / WGBH
Last week US Education Secretary Betsy DeVos spoke at Harvard about school choice — and was met with a spirited Boston welcome. Hundreds of people who care about public education, including members of the BTU, AFT-MA, and MTA rallied outside, and many Harvard students stood in silent protest throughout the hall inside during her speech. WGBH covered the protests, as did the Boston Globe.
WGBH reporters also covered the Mass Office of Campaign and Political Finance ruling against Families for Excellent Schools, which they write “was so consequential that it will take months to fully comprehend.” In short, Families for Excellent Schools received the death penalty last month. And the implications are far-reaching.
In BTU news, our Fall Leadership Conference (formerly the Building Reps Conference) approaches! Remember, this year the conference is open to all members with pre-registration. See below for deadline information and registration details.
The BTU and many other concerned community partners joined BPS last week to begin planning for students displaced by Hurricane Maria. We continue to hold in our hearts those impacted both in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean and their friends and loved ones here in Boston. The AFT has set up a Disaster Relief Donation Center, to help those in need, including our AFT brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Please give as you are able.
Finally, this Thursday, October 5, is the deadline for DACA recipients to renew. Find resources to share with students and families on the BTU website.