Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is at it again. On Monday, September 26, they fired another teacher who dared to defend public education. In addition to closing public schools at a record rate, the district—in the midst of a historic teacher shortage—is now closing its doors to teachers who tried to keep one of those schools open. Four teachers have now been retaliated against for supporting the movement against school closures in Oakland.

OUSD’s actions are in violation of a letter issued by Chief Governance Officer Josh Daniels to OUSD employees Moses Omolade and André San-Chez during their hunger strike protest against school closures, stating that “OUSD will not retaliate against any OUSD employee involved in protesting school closures [...] or supporting those who are involved in such protests.” It also comes on the heels of a physical attack against the Parker community. On August 4th, OUSD leadership authorized their contracted security team to forcibly remove people participating in the sit-in from the Parker campus, injuring at least 11 people and sending four to the ER.

If you don't think OUSD should be retaliating against educators protesting school closures, make your voice heard! Send a letter directly to OUSD leadership demanding they stop firing teachers. Use the pre-written letter, or edit it however you see fit.

Thank you for your support. Stay tuned for more updates!