Voting rights challenged as U.S. marks anniversaries of 19th Amendment, Voting Rights Act

During the month of August, the NYSUT Women's Committee's daily slide show on social media is helping to raise awareness on how, despite hard-earned gains, voting rights in the U.S. continue to be squashed, belittled and belabored.

Kingston educators begin community-wide book group on race

Sometimes a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single book. In Kingston, that book is “So You Want To Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo. City residents are reading it as a group called Kingston Reads.

Andrew Pallotta: 'Education - An Avenue To Equality' (via WAMC)

"When it comes to addressing these issues, let’s not fool ourselves," says NYSUT President Andy Pallotta. "The work isn’t done. Racism and economic inequality remain pervasive; and everyone has a responsibility to speak up."

Human rights institute draws record participation of youth ready to change the world

More than 100 teens are spending three days learning about women’s rights, racism, how to access reliable news, and helping those less fortunate in a society troubled by a pandemic, deep economic woes and racial unrest.

Supreme Court upholds protection for immigrant 'Dreamers'

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court kept the dream alive for hundreds of thousands of immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. In a stinging rebuke of the Trump administration, the Court ruled 5–4 against the administration’s attempt to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program

Juneteenth Celebrates Black Emancipation and Struggle

Juneteenth, the Black celebration of the day the last slaves learned of President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, is quickly emerging as a local and state holiday honoring the freedom, struggles and inalienable rights of our nation’s African Americans.

Teen human rights institutes to be held online

Two summer human rights activism symposiums for teens are going to be held in the virtual world.

Landmark Supreme Court ruling protects gay, lesbian and transgender workers

NYSUT’s never-ending commitment to protecting the workplace rights of all workers was affirmed Monday in a U.S. Supreme Court decision that ruled federal civil rights law protects gay, lesbian and transgender workers.

NYSUT statement on Supreme Court decision affirming rights of LGBTQ workers

“Workplace discrimination of any kind has no place in our communities," said NYSUT President Andy Pallotta. "Today’s decision is a major victory for the LGBTQ community and those who continue fighting to create a more equal, just society."

NYSUT-UFT joint statement on passage of criminal justice reform package

“This legislative package represents a positive step toward a more equitable, transparent criminal justice system. We thank the Legislature and governor for working quickly to address calls for reform. But make no mistake, our work as a society is not done..."

Union vigil a moving call to action

On Monday night, educators from around New York spoke about their pain and their plans to make change a reality for their communities, for their students and for the country.

Walking the walk: NYSUT members across the state rally for justice and action; online vigil set for Monday

Maria Pacheco, a member of NYSUT’s Board of Directors and the Mohonasen Teachers Association, is one of thousands of union members who have been marching in protests across the state and nation.