OUSD should pass a ceasefire resolution to use its power of influence and its moral authority as an education organization to call for permanent ceasefire, an end to the genocide in Gaza, and the end of investments in military. OUSD should also prioritize safety of its all its students, especially those who are being targeted right now by Islamphobia and anti-semitism. Thank you.
Greetings Board Members,
I am writing as a 15-year educator in OUSD, and as one of your Arab and Muslim staff members. I urge you to create a resolution demanding a ceasefire. So much of U.S. funds goes towards military support of Israel, and our own military, when we know that our public schools are deeply in need of funding. So much so, that this school board routinely closes schools in Black and Brown neighborhoods in attempts to save funds. I have been deeply offended, as a a human, as a Muslim, as an Arab person, when I have received the district talking points around criticizing staff and students for holding teach-ins about Palestine, as well as having witnessed the backlash from our educators who are doing their best to teach about a history and issue that impacts all of our Arab and Muslim students. It's easy to say things like, "We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion," however, has this board and our district shown these values in action? Now is the time!
39 (and growing) UAOS administrators in Oakland have now signed on to a demand for a ceasefire resolution. Listen to the student directors, Ousd staff, students, and families and call a special meeting to review, vote on and pass a ceasefire resolution next week.
The OUSD Board should hold a special meeting to introduce a resolution for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, where over 17,000 people, 70% of whom are women and children have been murdered, in clear violation of international law. Further, the board should call for an end to Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine, which amounts to the crime against humanity of apartheid, according to every major human rights organization, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Israeli organization B'Tselem. Further, it is shameful to take punitive actions against teachers who advocate for human rights and international law. This amounts to modern-day McArthyism, and is an abdication of our moral obligations and national commitment to freedom of speech.
It is extremely frustrating that this in democratic process by Mike Hutchinson has OUSD’s name attached to it. It is bringing shame to our diverse community. Stop cancelling board meetings because of racist “safety” concerns when little kids are going to school that very same day. It’s actually embarrassing that y’all are grown and acting this way, my students would never. We demand that the OUSD board holds a special meeting next week to introduce AND vote on the permanent ceasefire resolution for the war on Gaza. As a teacher and District 2 resident, shame on y’all. Do the right thing!
We all know about the double standards for people of color--specifically Black folx. We all know that we are not all treated equally. We know what it looks like when some of us express righteous indignation, vs. when others do. We know Black folx, and Black women in particular, are vilified, demonized, and stereotyped. We do not even have to spell it out, because as a progressive and largely BIPOC community, we understand what this means and looks like. Yet THE VERY SAME vilification, demonization, and stereotypes about Arab and Muslim folx are being perpetuated by our OUSD leadership. SHAME on you for having double standards. You prove that power corrupts everyone, that money can buy anyone's soul, because you are clearly pandering to a RACIST (i.e. Zionist) lobby to serve a racist, apartheid state's interests. SHAME. I wonder how you sleep at night
It has been extremely disturbing to see the growing trend, of silencing and otherwise distorting messages calling for truth, justice, accountability of our roles as taxpayers, nationally--also taking place here in the Town. Those opposed to the values we the people hold most dearly would have you believe their lies and bullying tactics-meant to obfuscate the issues and claim that it is not a local issue. Yet, as so many have clearly demonstrated, what’s happening in Palestine clearly directly impacts our lives here in Oakland, on multiple levels.
It is disappointing their voices are being ignored & the attempt to carry on with 'business as usual'. Students need leadership to help them navigate all this. To allow the status quo, only means actively fanning the flames of hate and violence. It is irresponsible and immoral.
As the late great Howard Zinn said, "we can not stand still on a moving train". Silence in the face of oppression, means we have chosen the side of the oppressor.
You are doing exactly what white America does to black people! Do you not see that? You are doing what the racist are doing to us! So… what does that make you? I’m trying to make it make sense. You said the meeting was dangerous? But I watched the video, those black and brown people were standing there SILENTLY! The accusations are racist!
Join the world (literally the whole world) in condemning this land grab genocide! You do not have the right to make my family and children complicit in this madness!
Vote YES on the CEASEFIRE NOW resolution! Hurry before it’s too late!
I am a resident in District 3, with a child starting kindergarten in Fall 2024. I demand that the OUSD Board hold a special meeting next week to introduce AND vote on a resolution for a Permanent Ceasefire. I strongly oppose OUSD's actions that have been anti-Arab and Islamophobic towards students and families, and censorship of teaching about Palestine in schools. There is a deep-seated systemic reason that many Americans do not know about Palestine. I am a 42 year old and is just learning NOW about the history of Palestine (I was a 4.2 student who take many AP classes, attended UC Berkeley with a 3.86 GPA and graduated from SF State with a 4.0 with a graduate degree). STOP THE CENSORING OF PALESTINIAN HISTORY. Our children need to learn about this history to be responsible citizens. OUSD Board, follow suit with the Oakland City Council, they have paved the way proudly as LEADERS in support of a permanent ceasefire. Also, take a stand to protect Muslim and Arab students & teachers.
I am D5 voter, parent and teacher. The Anti-Arab actions of members of this school board are appalling. A special meeting must be called immediately and the permanent ceasefire resolution must be passed and then you can begin the huge work needed to repair the harm the district leadership has inflicted on Arab and Muslim members of our community.
That’s the link. And here’s what you can write in the comment section :
I am a community member of OUSD writing in support of the resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Palestine. The Israeli military attack on Gaza has led to over 18,000 deaths, more than half children. Millions of innocent people are suffering or in harm's way due to the continued US-sponsored assault on Gaza, and OUSD students, families and district staff have lost family members and are directly affected by this humanitarian crisis. OUSD has chosen to adopt a harmful culture of silence by failing to ensure our Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim families feel respected and acknowledged as valued members of our community during this crisis. Given OUSD's commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and cultural responsiveness, I urge OUSD to show it values our Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim community members in this historic time of grief and injustice by supporting this resolution for permanent ceasefire.
Here to condemn the really despicable messaging sent out via ParentSquare yesterday that referred to "ongoing public safety concerns at our Board meetings." Shocked and saddened that this is how OUSD wants to treat its Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim community members: by playing into some of the most insidious, race-baiting, inflammatory stereotypes out there. For shame. Shame on John Sasaki and *anyone else involved* in crafting the message that went out yesterday and trading on these odious stereotypes. Shame on President Hutchinson and Director Davis for playing into it by referencing vague "threats" that apparently made it unsafe for the board to meet, but perfectly safe for students to attend school. Shame on District leadership for not standing with all members of the community. Standing with all those calling for a special meeting and a vote on the ceasefire resolution immediately. 20,000 dead and counting. How many is too many, OUSD?
We need a permanent ceasefire. We need our school district's support on demanding a ceasefire. Close to 20,000 lives have been lost. Thousands of them children. If we redirected funds (that are built from our taxes) that go to support militaries into resources to help our communities such as housing, food, schools, youth programs, etc. we can help to transform the world to a place where folks don't have to be in need. Our money (billions of dollars annually) goes to weapons and other things that promote death. We need to invest more in promoting life.
Pls pass a resolution condemning Israel’s illegal occupation, aggression and genocide of Palestine and its people. Pls also call on the US to stop funding this. Lastly, pls condemn and take action against any/all anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim rhetoric and actions done on OUSD property.
Shame on OUSD for your attempts to silence Palestinian, Arab and Muslim families and allies. Stop claiming that you are forced to cancel meetings due to "safety threats" - we are your constituents, your employees, your students and we cannot be silenced! We will continue to turn out in full force until you meet our demands. We DEMAND a permanent ceasefire resolution. We DEMAND that you stop dehumanizing Palestinian, Arab and Muslim families. WE DEMAND YOU PASS THIS RESOLUTION.
I am an alum writing to demand that the board schedule a special meeting next week to discuss and vote on the Permanent Ceasefire Resolution. The Israeli military attack on Gaza has led to over 18,000 deaths, more than half children. OUSD students, families and staff have lost family members and are directly affected by this humanitarian crisis.
OUSD is adopting a harmful culture of silence by failing to ensure our Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim families feel respected and acknowledged as valued members of our community during this crisis. Instead of standing with families, OUSD has engaged in racist scapegoating, portraying community support for the resolution at board meetings as a threat to public safety, after giving contradictory excuses for why the 12/13 board meeting was canceled.
I urge OUSD to show it values our Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students and community members in this historic time of grief and injustice by supporting this resolution for permanent ceasefire.
I want to start off by saying its embarrassing that a school board with all their might power sent out such a hateful message that incriminates the Arab community. The whole purpose of the Resolution, so that we are recognized in our community. WE ARE NOT ALL MUSLIM, WE ARE JEWS CHRISTIANS etc. Thank you Mike for playing #chessnotcheckers.
I am an OUSD parent and long time OUSD teacher. I support a resolution to call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We in Oakland have never shied away from difficult discussions, and I hope that the board has the courage to have this discussion today. Please let the people speak and listen, with the respect we all deserve.
I am simply appalled by the cowardice and double standards the district is demonstrating in the face of genocide and heinous discrimination, repression, and targeting of Arab and Muslim students and community members.
If anyone says it’s irrelevant to call for a permanent ceasefire, they are ill-informed at best! Our tax dollars are used to kill, maim, and orphan children in Palestine—instead of being used to ensure our Oakland children have well-resourced schools, protection from the violence of being unhoused, uninsured, and economically insecure!!
I assure you that you would be horrified if the world were silent in the face of a genocide against you and your children. You must not see Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims as human. What a shame. Protect your Arab and Muslim OUSD community NOW. Stop the racist double standards!
And remember: Zionism is a religious supremacist ideology. There are hundreds of thousands of devout Jewish anti-Zionists who refuse your racism
It has been 68 days, and 75 years. The time is now for OUSD to take a stand against genocide. By making a cease fire statement OUSD will be among the countless institutions that are standing with the people of Palestine. We must, as educators and people who care about safety, demand a cease fire statement. The vast majority of voters and residents want the violence to stop. OUSD can be among the millions of voices who stand with the people of Palestine!
OUSD should pass a ceasefire resolution to use its power of influence and its moral authority as an education organization to call for permanent ceasefire, an end to the genocide in Gaza, and the end of investments in military. OUSD should also prioritize safety of its all its students, especially those who are being targeted right now by Islamphobia and anti-semitism. Thank you.
Greetings Board Members,
I am writing as a 15-year educator in OUSD, and as one of your Arab and Muslim staff members. I urge you to create a resolution demanding a ceasefire. So much of U.S. funds goes towards military support of Israel, and our own military, when we know that our public schools are deeply in need of funding. So much so, that this school board routinely closes schools in Black and Brown neighborhoods in attempts to save funds. I have been deeply offended, as a a human, as a Muslim, as an Arab person, when I have received the district talking points around criticizing staff and students for holding teach-ins about Palestine, as well as having witnessed the backlash from our educators who are doing their best to teach about a history and issue that impacts all of our Arab and Muslim students. It's easy to say things like, "We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion," however, has this board and our district shown these values in action? Now is the time!
39 (and growing) UAOS administrators in Oakland have now signed on to a demand for a ceasefire resolution. Listen to the student directors, Ousd staff, students, and families and call a special meeting to review, vote on and pass a ceasefire resolution next week.
The OUSD Board should hold a special meeting to introduce a resolution for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, where over 17,000 people, 70% of whom are women and children have been murdered, in clear violation of international law. Further, the board should call for an end to Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine, which amounts to the crime against humanity of apartheid, according to every major human rights organization, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Israeli organization B'Tselem. Further, it is shameful to take punitive actions against teachers who advocate for human rights and international law. This amounts to modern-day McArthyism, and is an abdication of our moral obligations and national commitment to freedom of speech.
It is extremely frustrating that this in democratic process by Mike Hutchinson has OUSD’s name attached to it. It is bringing shame to our diverse community. Stop cancelling board meetings because of racist “safety” concerns when little kids are going to school that very same day. It’s actually embarrassing that y’all are grown and acting this way, my students would never. We demand that the OUSD board holds a special meeting next week to introduce AND vote on the permanent ceasefire resolution for the war on Gaza. As a teacher and District 2 resident, shame on y’all. Do the right thing!
We all know about the double standards for people of color--specifically Black folx. We all know that we are not all treated equally. We know what it looks like when some of us express righteous indignation, vs. when others do. We know Black folx, and Black women in particular, are vilified, demonized, and stereotyped. We do not even have to spell it out, because as a progressive and largely BIPOC community, we understand what this means and looks like. Yet THE VERY SAME vilification, demonization, and stereotypes about Arab and Muslim folx are being perpetuated by our OUSD leadership. SHAME on you for having double standards. You prove that power corrupts everyone, that money can buy anyone's soul, because you are clearly pandering to a RACIST (i.e. Zionist) lobby to serve a racist, apartheid state's interests. SHAME. I wonder how you sleep at night
It has been extremely disturbing to see the growing trend, of silencing and otherwise distorting messages calling for truth, justice, accountability of our roles as taxpayers, nationally--also taking place here in the Town. Those opposed to the values we the people hold most dearly would have you believe their lies and bullying tactics-meant to obfuscate the issues and claim that it is not a local issue. Yet, as so many have clearly demonstrated, what’s happening in Palestine clearly directly impacts our lives here in Oakland, on multiple levels.
It is disappointing their voices are being ignored & the attempt to carry on with 'business as usual'. Students need leadership to help them navigate all this. To allow the status quo, only means actively fanning the flames of hate and violence. It is irresponsible and immoral.
As the late great Howard Zinn said, "we can not stand still on a moving train". Silence in the face of oppression, means we have chosen the side of the oppressor.
You are doing exactly what white America does to black people! Do you not see that? You are doing what the racist are doing to us! So… what does that make you? I’m trying to make it make sense. You said the meeting was dangerous? But I watched the video, those black and brown people were standing there SILENTLY! The accusations are racist!
Join the world (literally the whole world) in condemning this land grab genocide! You do not have the right to make my family and children complicit in this madness!
Vote YES on the CEASEFIRE NOW resolution! Hurry before it’s too late!
I am a resident in District 3, with a child starting kindergarten in Fall 2024. I demand that the OUSD Board hold a special meeting next week to introduce AND vote on a resolution for a Permanent Ceasefire. I strongly oppose OUSD's actions that have been anti-Arab and Islamophobic towards students and families, and censorship of teaching about Palestine in schools. There is a deep-seated systemic reason that many Americans do not know about Palestine. I am a 42 year old and is just learning NOW about the history of Palestine (I was a 4.2 student who take many AP classes, attended UC Berkeley with a 3.86 GPA and graduated from SF State with a 4.0 with a graduate degree). STOP THE CENSORING OF PALESTINIAN HISTORY. Our children need to learn about this history to be responsible citizens. OUSD Board, follow suit with the Oakland City Council, they have paved the way proudly as LEADERS in support of a permanent ceasefire. Also, take a stand to protect Muslim and Arab students & teachers.
I am D5 voter, parent and teacher. The Anti-Arab actions of members of this school board are appalling. A special meeting must be called immediately and the permanent ceasefire resolution must be passed and then you can begin the huge work needed to repair the harm the district leadership has inflicted on Arab and Muslim members of our community.
That’s the link. And here’s what you can write in the comment section :
I am a community member of OUSD writing in support of the resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Palestine. The Israeli military attack on Gaza has led to over 18,000 deaths, more than half children. Millions of innocent people are suffering or in harm's way due to the continued US-sponsored assault on Gaza, and OUSD students, families and district staff have lost family members and are directly affected by this humanitarian crisis. OUSD has chosen to adopt a harmful culture of silence by failing to ensure our Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim families feel respected and acknowledged as valued members of our community during this crisis. Given OUSD's commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and cultural responsiveness, I urge OUSD to show it values our Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim community members in this historic time of grief and injustice by supporting this resolution for permanent ceasefire.
Here to condemn the really despicable messaging sent out via ParentSquare yesterday that referred to "ongoing public safety concerns at our Board meetings." Shocked and saddened that this is how OUSD wants to treat its Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim community members: by playing into some of the most insidious, race-baiting, inflammatory stereotypes out there. For shame. Shame on John Sasaki and *anyone else involved* in crafting the message that went out yesterday and trading on these odious stereotypes. Shame on President Hutchinson and Director Davis for playing into it by referencing vague "threats" that apparently made it unsafe for the board to meet, but perfectly safe for students to attend school. Shame on District leadership for not standing with all members of the community. Standing with all those calling for a special meeting and a vote on the ceasefire resolution immediately. 20,000 dead and counting. How many is too many, OUSD?
We need a permanent ceasefire. We need our school district's support on demanding a ceasefire. Close to 20,000 lives have been lost. Thousands of them children. If we redirected funds (that are built from our taxes) that go to support militaries into resources to help our communities such as housing, food, schools, youth programs, etc. we can help to transform the world to a place where folks don't have to be in need. Our money (billions of dollars annually) goes to weapons and other things that promote death. We need to invest more in promoting life.
Pls pass a resolution condemning Israel’s illegal occupation, aggression and genocide of Palestine and its people. Pls also call on the US to stop funding this. Lastly, pls condemn and take action against any/all anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim rhetoric and actions done on OUSD property.
Shame on OUSD for your attempts to silence Palestinian, Arab and Muslim families and allies. Stop claiming that you are forced to cancel meetings due to "safety threats" - we are your constituents, your employees, your students and we cannot be silenced! We will continue to turn out in full force until you meet our demands. We DEMAND a permanent ceasefire resolution. We DEMAND that you stop dehumanizing Palestinian, Arab and Muslim families. WE DEMAND YOU PASS THIS RESOLUTION.
I am an alum writing to demand that the board schedule a special meeting next week to discuss and vote on the Permanent Ceasefire Resolution. The Israeli military attack on Gaza has led to over 18,000 deaths, more than half children. OUSD students, families and staff have lost family members and are directly affected by this humanitarian crisis.
OUSD is adopting a harmful culture of silence by failing to ensure our Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim families feel respected and acknowledged as valued members of our community during this crisis. Instead of standing with families, OUSD has engaged in racist scapegoating, portraying community support for the resolution at board meetings as a threat to public safety, after giving contradictory excuses for why the 12/13 board meeting was canceled.
I urge OUSD to show it values our Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students and community members in this historic time of grief and injustice by supporting this resolution for permanent ceasefire.
I want to start off by saying its embarrassing that a school board with all their might power sent out such a hateful message that incriminates the Arab community. The whole purpose of the Resolution, so that we are recognized in our community. WE ARE NOT ALL MUSLIM, WE ARE JEWS CHRISTIANS etc. Thank you Mike for playing #chessnotcheckers.
I am an OUSD parent and long time OUSD teacher. I support a resolution to call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We in Oakland have never shied away from difficult discussions, and I hope that the board has the courage to have this discussion today. Please let the people speak and listen, with the respect we all deserve.
I am simply appalled by the cowardice and double standards the district is demonstrating in the face of genocide and heinous discrimination, repression, and targeting of Arab and Muslim students and community members.
If anyone says it’s irrelevant to call for a permanent ceasefire, they are ill-informed at best! Our tax dollars are used to kill, maim, and orphan children in Palestine—instead of being used to ensure our Oakland children have well-resourced schools, protection from the violence of being unhoused, uninsured, and economically insecure!!
I assure you that you would be horrified if the world were silent in the face of a genocide against you and your children. You must not see Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims as human. What a shame. Protect your Arab and Muslim OUSD community NOW. Stop the racist double standards!
And remember: Zionism is a religious supremacist ideology. There are hundreds of thousands of devout Jewish anti-Zionists who refuse your racism
It has been 68 days, and 75 years. The time is now for OUSD to take a stand against genocide. By making a cease fire statement OUSD will be among the countless institutions that are standing with the people of Palestine. We must, as educators and people who care about safety, demand a cease fire statement. The vast majority of voters and residents want the violence to stop. OUSD can be among the millions of voices who stand with the people of Palestine!