City teachers are expressing their anger and even considering withdrawing funds from the United Federation of Teachers’ political action fund. Their frustration stems from the union’s leadership endorsing socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, a decision revealed by the Post.
UFT President Mike Mulgrew, along with his close associates, pushed for this endorsement during a meeting on Tuesday, winning approval from 63% of over 1,000 representative delegates. This has particularly upset many teachers, especially as most are currently on summer break and paying close attention to the union’s decisions.
Just a day later, around 90 educators shared their concerns during a Zoom gathering hosted by the United Jewish Teachers and the NYC Public Schools Alliance. They are particularly focused on combating anti-Semitism in local schools.
Karen Feldman, co-founder of the NYCPS Alliance, voiced her worries, saying, “Mamdani’s record raises significant concerns regarding his ties to anti-Semitism and anti-American sentiments. This matter transcends mere politics; it touches on the safety of Jewish staff and the deterioration of trust in unions that are supposed to unite us, not divide us.”
Sources from the meeting indicated that Mulgrew has not truly considered other candidates, focusing entirely on Mamdani.
He overlooked independent candidates like current Mayor Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Republican Curtis Sliwa noted that powerful individuals often manipulate such situations for their own benefit.
UFT members are currently able to contribute to the union’s political action department and political education board. Generally, around 100,000 members contribute a small portion—often about $5 per paycheck.
Some union representatives and chapter leaders have been addressing questions from colleagues about whether to stop their COPE contributions, which amount to about $1,700 annually in union dues.
A Bronx school representative expressed frustration, asking, “Why should I, a socialist, support unions backing individuals whose views sharply oppose mine?”
During the Zoom meeting, a presentation highlighted Mamdani’s “anti-Zionist” stance and criticism of Israel, suggesting that these views could influence educational content and classroom discussions, potentially skewing complex global issues.
The slides also alluded to Mamdani’s aspirations to elevate former socialist and Bronx school principal Jamal Bowman to a significant educational position. The group of educators called for an immediate cessation of COPE payments.
“We represent over 250 educators,” stated Moshe Spirun, president of United Jewish Teachers, emphasizing that while they wouldn’t advise members to leave the union “at this moment,” he anticipates a significant departure in the near future.
“I can understand why many are opting out of their payments,” he added, referring to rival factions within the union that are pushing for Mulgrew’s removal from his position.
“Political contributions should be viewed as a form of free expression, and members should feel empowered to voice their opinions, even through financial choices. Many believe unions have become platforms for entrenched political interests, neglecting their members’ voices,” another speaker noted.
With close to 200,000 members, including retirees, the UFT reported nearly $174.5 million in total revenue for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2023. They allocated around $4.5 million on political lobbying and approximately $4.3 million on donations and grants.
The decision to back Mamdani came after the union was faced with choices between him, Cuomo, and former Secretary Scott Stringer, ultimately sidelining them during the Democratic primary process on June 24.
The UFT did not acknowledge the repercussions related to potential drops in COPE payments or membership fees and dismissed allegations that Mulgrew had coerced the vote for Mamdani. Union spokesperson Allison Gender claimed that the decision was the result of an extensive review process involving elected representatives from all NYC public schools.
