NYC Educators for Palestine Launch Divestment Campaign
On October 24, 2023, NYC Educators for Palestine held an event in Midtown Manhattan to launch their divestment campaign for the school year. This initiative aims to address the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) of the City of New York, which currently invests $112 million in Israeli companies.
Campaign Overview
The “TRS Divest” campaign is a collaboration between the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and the Professional Staff Congress of the City University of New York (PSC-CUNY). It seeks to mobilize educators against the investment of their retirement funds in Israeli firms, particularly in companies like Elbit Systems, known for manufacturing weapons.
Gathering Support
More than 40 participants attended the launch, including UFT members and the minority caucus known as The Movement of Rank and File Educators. Graduate students from CUNY also took part, notably those advocating for the CUNY Fired Four—four adjunct professors dismissed for their pro-Palestinian stance earlier this year.
Informed Strategies
The event involved a presentation that highlighted active investments in Israeli companies and referenced past successful divestment campaigns in New York City. These include movements against South African apartheid and companies connected to the Vietnam War.
NYC Educators for Palestine also discussed their previous actions aimed at influencing the TRS board of trustees, which included:
- Appeals to board members urging divestment.
- Securing UFT appointees to support divestment.
- Organizing protests at board meetings.
Breaking Down Barriers
During the event, teachers broke into groups to discuss strategies for engaging coworkers about the divestment campaign. They addressed potential reprisals from administrators and peers, and brainstormed ways to expand their signature-gathering efforts.
Proposed Initiatives
- Encourage UFT leaders to publicly support divestment.
- Establish connections with other organizations for broader support.
- Host events and protests to raise awareness about the TRS’s investments.
The gathering showcased a wave of new organizers dedicated to the Palestinian cause. Participants left feeling inspired and resolved to challenge the financial support for Israeli companies, acknowledging that meaningful campaigns often take years to achieve their goals.
At the time of the event, the TRS Divest campaign had garnered over 1,900 signatures. This growing support reflects the commitment of New York City educators to advocate for justice and liberation for Palestine.
