Below are photographs and statements submitted to Liberation News on September 12, 2012, by PSL members who are public school teachers in California.
Today the teachers, paraprofessionals and others at our school wore red to show our solidarity with the Chicago teachers. They are on the front lines of a nationwide struggle to defend public education as districts try to impose merit pay and destroy hard-won seniority rights. These “cost-saving” measures are really attacks on us, attacks on our unions and attacks on public education. Victory to the Chicago Teachers!
–Nathalie Hrizi, 5th grade teacher, Farimount Elementary School in San Francisco
Wearing red to show our unity with our fellow Chicago teachers was the least we could do to show our support. All teachers are looking to their struggle as the frontlines of the fightback against the privatization and union-busting tactics of both the Democrats and Republicans. Here in San Francisco, teachers overwhelmed with rising expectations to commit personal time for growing requirements are well aware that the assault on public education is a nationwide trend. We will not back down! Victory to the Chicago Teachers!
–Frank Lara, 4th Grade Bilingual Teacher, Buena Vista Horace Mann K-8 in San Francisco
I wore red today to show my solidarity with my brothers and sisters in Chicago. Education is under attack across the nation and things are only getting worse. Class sizes continue to increase, resources and services are getting cut at a rapid pace, and teachers, paraprofessionals, librarians, secretaries, and other support staff are being let go. Enough is enough! Our students have a right to a quality education and we must come together in solidarity with our community to put an end to the attacks on education! Chicago teachers we stand with you! Maestros Unidos Jamas Seran Vencidos!
–Antoinette Marquez, 4th Grade Bilingual Teacher, Buena Vista Horace Mann K-8 in San Francisco
The ongoing attacks against public school teachers and education workers is one more example of the capitalist offensive that is taking place towards millions of workers. The real aim of the ruling class is to break up the unions and divide the U.S. working class. This tactic will not work as we are witnessing the struggle taking place in Chicago. This will be a great example for the many struggles that will take place in every city and town throughout this country. Victory to the Chicago teachers!
–Enrique Vasquez, 12th grade teacher at Oscar de la Hoya Animo Charter High School
