Oakland teachers participate in pro-Palestine teach-in

Oakland, Calif., public school teachers conducted a pro-Palestine teach-in on Wednesday despite a lack of support from their district.

A group within the Oakland Education Association decided to conduct a teach-in where pro-Palestine materials would be taught in classrooms, The New York Times reported.

The group made a list of suggested material, which calls Israel an “apartheid state.”

“A group of bullies called Zionists wanted our land so they stole it by force and hurt many people,” a suggested coloring book for elementary school students said, urging the students to “Trace a way home” for the Palestinian character, according to The Times.

The union president says the suggested curriculum was not reviewed by the association and the superintendent of the district condemned the event entirely.

“I know that many of you are aware of the unsanctioned teach-in planned by outside organizing in our schools this Wednesday, December 6. I want to make clear that the District does not authorize this action. Furthermore, I want to make clear that the instructional materials developed and shared by the teach-in organizers are not aligned with the materials, and guidance provided by the school,” said Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell.

Another suggested book in the recommended curriculum teaches the alphabet and says “I is for Intifada, Intifada is Arabic for rising up for what is right, if you are a kid or a grown-up!” the Times wrote.

Those in the effort told the Times they expected 100 teachers to participate, and the school has not made clear if any disciplinary action will be taken.

The Hill has reached out to the union for comment.

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