Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Every year we observe Martin Luther King Day to reflect on the work that still needs to be done for racial equality. We also remember the vision that Dr. King carried in seeing the connection between achieving racial equality and supporting the labor movement. Most people know Dr. King only as a civil rights leader, but we also remember him as a powerful labor leader.
On Monday, as we celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., we also will see the inauguration of the Trump administration for a second term. And so we recommit ourselves to speaking out on the very issues that Dr. King led on – fighting racial injustice, healthcare disparity, and economic inequity. And we will continue to do the critical work to build the union to fight against attacks on our professions, our students, our schools, and our communities, including our immigrant families and our LGTBQ+ students and members.
For more on celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the classroom and at home, click here.
Free trauma counseling and other resources for those impacted by the LA fires
For those CFT members who have been impacted by the fires, there is an important resource available to you through our national union, the AFT, which provides all active, working members with counseling if they are injured or traumatized by natural disasters like fires. The benefit offers one-to-one counseling sessions with a licensed therapist with a master’s degree or higher who has advanced training in post-traumatic incident recovery. To access this resource, go to the member benefits portal on the AFT website.
Make sure to check out our LA fires resources page, for updated resources and information on support available to those impacted by the fires, including links to apply for CFT Disaster Relief Fund, one-time FEMA relief of $770, and more.
Thanks again to the hundreds of CFT members who have donated to the CFT Disaster Relief Fund. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.
More details on Governor Newsom’s proposed budget for upcoming fiscal year
In his January budget proposal last week, Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a $322.2 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year that includes a 2.43% COLA for K-14 education. The Governor’s proposed budget also defers the 5% base funding increase for the University of California and a funding cut of 7.95% of the UC’s ongoing funding from the state general fund.
CFT will continue to advocate for full funding of California schools, including resources above and beyond the governor’s current proposal. Full and stable funding through progressive taxation is critical, especially with potential cuts in federal funding threatened by the incoming Trump administration.
For the highlights and overview of Governor Newsom’s proposed budget, click here.
Resources to support LGTBQ+ youth at school
With the beginning of the second Trump administration just getting underway, now is a good time to review important resources available to us to support LGTBQ+ youth at school.
CDE page on supporting LGBTQ+ students – The California Department of Education has an excellent page which includes instructional guidance, law, and policies for local educational agencies to support LGBTQ+ students and provide safe learning environments that protect the health and safety of all students.
EQCA Safe and Supportive Schools Resource Center – Equality California has put together this comprehensive resources page that includes essential information and resources to foster a safe and supportive climate at school for all students.
GLSEN resources – GLSEN has comprehensive materials and resources to help cultivate a safe and supportive environment for all students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Includes how to be a supportive educator and advocate for inclusive and affirming curriculum.
