We had a great press conference this afternoon to oppose Cathie Black’s nomination as NYC school chancellor, with a turnout of about 50 parents and teachers, and reporters from nearly all the major news stations and papers.
Civil rights leaders Norman Siegel and Michael Meyers spoke about how the selection by the mayor of such an unqualified individual made in secret violated principles of diversity and transparency and reeked of cronyism.
NYC Council Education chair Robert Jackson, parent leaders Tina Schiller from Manhattan, William McDonald of Queens, Philip DePaolo of Brooklyn, and teachers Julie Cavanagh and Justin Wedes spoke eloquently how the mayor’s choice of someone without any educational experience or credentials is a betrayal of our children.
The Siegel/Meyers letter, signed by more than 100 teachers and parents is posted here; news stories are already up at NY1 and AP/Wall St. Journal, AP photo above. Thanks to all who came!
If you didn’t make it to our event, you have two more chances this week to attend rallies opposing Black’s nomination:
Monday, November 15 at 10:00 AM at Brooklyn Borough Hall Sponsored by Chris Owens, Democratic district leader. For more info, call 718-514-4874/ /chris@owensforchange.com.
Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 4:45 PM in front of Tweed, 52 Chambers Street. For more info, contact William McDonald at whm6363@gmail.com
Please be sure to sign onto our online petition, if you haven’t already, which has already generated more than ten thousand emails to Commissioner Steiner, the Regents, and state legislators. And then follow up with a phone call to Steiner at (518) 474-5844.
Finally, come to the PEP meeting and make your voice heard! Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 5:30 PM at Brooklyn Tech HS; map here. Just think, it’s one of the last chances you'll have to let Joel Klein know how you feel.
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