The California Teachers Association has donated $1 million to fight a ballot measure that would ban gay marriage, the Los Angeles Times and others report.
For us, it's a civil rights issue," said the association's President David Sanchez. "We don't believe people should be treated differently."
The teachers union also takes issue with advertisements by backers of Proposition 8 suggesting that the measure would stop children from being taught about gay marriage in schools. Union leaders echoed complaints by the No on 8 campaign that the ads are misleading because California law already prohibits teaching any child health issues without parental consent.
It's the biggest donation yet to the anti-Prop 8 measure, and follows a $250,000 donation by CTA over the summer.
Have you heard about the Camilla Letter from the girl in Folsom?
California Teacher’s Association Responds to “Camilla Letter”
Board Member Jim Rogers responds directly to student letter with abrupt condescension, sparking local outrage
In a letter questioning CTA choices in this matter, Folsom High School student Camilla X, wrote to CTA officials protesting their use of teacher funds and received this shockingly worded reply from CTA/NEA coordinator, Jim Rogers….and this is a direct quote:
“Thanks, Sweetie, but it’s over for now. And it’s really none of your business.”
http://beetlebabee.wordpress.com/2008/11/17/cta-student-smack-down/
Mr. Sanchez is president and figurehead of a body (CTA) that has a very liberal State Council. If conservatives teachers will wake up and be active members of CTA, less of this liberal politicking will occur. Everyone who is angry must consider what they did or didn't do to make this happen.
A couple of action points if you think CTA is wrong for supporting Props 4 & 8 with your dues money:
1. TELL CTA that you disagree.
2. Vote onto the council teachers who share your views. Or, better yet, RUN for the position yourself and get the word out for votes.
3. Opt out of the new $20 dues increase.
4. A bit more drastic...get the blue card from your membership chairperson that allows you to exclude ANY your dues from being spent for political purposes.
5. Stay active in your local association so you know what's going on. There IS a "Republican Caucus" in CTA that after 19 years I just heard about. How can such a quiet voice be heard? Each of us can join and raise the volume...