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Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month at school and home
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The month of May was chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, during the beginning of the California Gold Rush. It also marks the anniversary of the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869. Most of the workers who laid the tracks that connected the frontier to the rest of the country were Chinese immigrants.
Ways to honor Black History Month at school and home
February is Black History Month
On February 1, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln approved a joint resolution to submit the proposed 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery, to the state legislatures. While the history of Black Americans involves so much more than slavery, it is imperative that students fully understand the institution of slavery, its dissolution and the aftermath in order to understand today’s racial inequity.
We have compiled some meaningful collections of resources for Black History Month. These resources may be of interest to educators in the classroom, unions, and families and communities.
Action Alert: URGENT! Call your Assemblymember now: Support Charter School Accountability (AB 84)
Update: Our campaign to call California Assembly members was successful! AB 84 passed out of the Assembly on June 5, 2005 and will continue through the legislative process this year.
In the coming days the California Assembly will vote on AB 84, a bill that would enact comprehensive reform to non-classroom-based (NCB) charter school law.
It is urgent that members of the State Assembly hear directly from CFT members that we strongly support this bill.
Take Action: Tell Sacramento no cuts to UC
Thank you to all who took action on the UC budget. The action is now closed.
CFT Responds to Illegal Order to Close Department of Education
SACRAMENTO, CA – Following President Donald Trump signing an illegal Executive Order to shutter the Department of Education, CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals released the following statement from President Jeff Freitas:
Jeff Freitas: Finding Strength in Solidarity
Union Power for All
By Jeffery M. Freitas, CFT President
California Educators and Classified Professionals Stand United Against Trump’s Agenda of Hate
SACRAMENTO, CA – Following President Trump signing dozens of hate-filled executive orders in his first day in office, CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals released the following statement condemning these actions from President Jeff Freitas:
Historic Victory! President Biden signs the Social Security Fairness Act
January 6, 2025 update: On Sunday January 5, President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act! Check back soon for an FAQ as more information on implementation becomes available.
Take Action! Time for the U.S. Senate to repeal the WEP/GPO
Send a letter and make two calls today
Update: On Friday, December 20 the US Senate voted to pass the Social Security Fairness Act, sending it to President Biden’s desk for signature.
On Tuesday, November 12 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 327-75. Thanks to the nearly 2,500 CFT members who sent a letter to their congressional reps in less than 24 hours urging their YES vote. Your work made a critical difference!
Five critical bills on the Governor’s desk
Please urge Governor Newsom to sign them
***September 30, 2024 Update – Governor Newsom has signed AB 2245 and vetoed AB 2088, AB 2277, AB 2586, and SB 1182**
Five critical pieces of legislation are on the Governor’s desk. Please take a moment to sign the letters below, urging him to sign these important bills.