Unionized Oakland teachers taught public school students about ‘intifada,’ Israeli ‘apartheid’
Sen. Ted Cruz (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Texas Republican senator Ted Cruz has written a letter to President Joe Biden’s education secretary and California’s school superintendent, urging them to investigate an anti-Semitic “teach-in” organized by a local teachers’ union in Oakland. The teach-in included curriculum materials that glorified the Palestinian “Intifada” and condemned Israeli “apartheid.”
Over 70 teachers from Oakland K-12 public schools participated in the unauthorized event, which took place earlier this month. The organizers, who remained anonymous, curated a list of materials that labeled Israel as an “apartheid state,” accused it of “genocide,” and taught children that “Intifada” means “rising up for what is right” in Arabic. Cruz is now demanding that Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and California superintendent of public instruction Tony Thurmond reveal the identities of the organizers.
In his letter, Cruz expressed his concern about the dangerous message being sent to K-12 students, especially during a time when Jews and Israelis are facing increased harassment and hate crimes. He called the anti-Israel propaganda “reckless” and “blatant indoctrination,” and questioned the appropriateness of allowing the organizers to remain anonymous.
Cruz demanded a comprehensive list of participants and organizers from Cardona and Thurmond. If the identities cannot be determined due to anonymity, he asked whether it is appropriate for these individuals to remain anonymous given their unauthorized behavior. However, neither Cardona nor Thurmond have responded to requests for comment.
The teach-in, which took place on December 6, aimed to provide students with educational resources on Palestine and encourage them to recognize and confront injustice in their communities. Participants received a list of recommended materials, some of which were provided by Jewish Voice for Peace, an anti-Israel organization known for conducting illegal protests in the U.S. Capitol. These materials accused Israel of various actions against Palestinians and referred to Gaza as the “largest open-air prison on earth.”
Other materials suggested using the term “genocide” to describe the situation in Gaza and advised teachers not to take a position on Hamas, except for one worksheet that referred to Hamas as a “resistance movement to Israeli occupation.”
Cruz criticized the one-sided narrative presented to impressionable K-12 students, stating that it downplayed the terrorism of Hamas and endorsed anti-Semitism. He called on Cardona and Thurmond to not only identify the participants and organizers but also provide information on any disciplinary action taken against them. Additionally, he requested a detailed plan to ensure equal protection for Jewish Americans in schools.
Cruz concluded his letter by emphasizing that calls for violence against American citizens are unacceptable and urged a prompt response from Cardona and Thurmond.
How does Senator Cruz believe holding teachers to a higher standard can prevent indoctrination and promote inclusivity in the classroom?
Acing increased incidents of anti-Semitism and discrimination. He emphasized the importance of promoting unbiased and accurate education, free from hate speech and propaganda. Cruz argued that the teach-in’s curriculum promotes harmful stereotypes and misrepresents the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The senator urged Cardona and Thurmond to thoroughly investigate the event and ensure that appropriate disciplinary actions are taken against those responsible.
The senator also called attention to the fact that the teach-in was organized by educators, who have a significant influence on shaping young minds. He argued that it is essential to hold teachers to a higher standard to avoid indoctrination and ensure an inclusive learning environment. Cruz highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the education system, especially when it comes to controversial topics such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Cruz’s letter comes amid a rise in anti-Semitism both in the United States and around the world. He emphasized that it is crucial for authorities in charge of education to address and combat all forms of discrimination, including anti-Semitism. By investigating the teach-in incident and taking appropriate actions, Cruz believes that the education officials would demonstrate their commitment to fostering a tolerant and respectful learning environment for all students.
The senator’s letter has drawn support from various organizations and individuals who condemn the anti-Semitic teachings and the misuse of educational platforms for propagating political agendas. They argue that educators have a responsibility to provide students with accurate and unbiased information, enabling them to develop critical thinking skills and form independent opinions. The incident in Oakland has provided an opportunity for a broader discussion on the role of educators in promoting understanding and tolerance.
In response to Cruz’s letter, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) expressed support for a full investigation into the matter. The ADL emphasized that teaching about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should be done responsibly and with accurate information to avoid promoting hate speech and discrimination. They called for educators to provide diverse perspectives and encourage dialogue among students.
Cruz’s letter serves as a reminder that education plays a vital role in shaping future generations and promoting inclusivity. It underscores the importance of providing students with a comprehensive and fair understanding of complex geopolitical issues, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By addressing incidents of bias in the classroom, authorities can contribute to a more tolerant and empathetic society.
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