Photo courtesy of Amy Arundell
(NEW YORK, NY, 10/19/2023)—The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the alleged silencing and discrimination by the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) of its representative Amy Arundell.
After the October 2023 Delegate Assembly where a controversial resolution regarding the Israeli-Palestinian upheaval was debated, Arundell was informed she was temporarily reassigned. She allegedly spoke out on a resolution that sought to condemn “the unconscionable terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel” (quote from the resolution that was passed by the body). Colleagues believe that Arundell advocated for an inclusive narrative to embody the voices of all teachers and student bodies, including those with pro-Palestinian viewpoints.
They believe that Arundell has been temporarily reassigned from her position as Queens Borough Representative as a result of this advocacy. Arundell’s “interim” replacement, Vice President of Middle Schools, Rich Mantell, was purportedly the individual who advanced the controversial resolution.
CAIR-NY urges UFT leadership and UFT President, Michael Mulgrew, to reinstate Amy Arundell as an affirmation of the union’s commitment to inclusive discourse.
CAIR-NY also urges the public to sign this petition addressed to President Michael Mulgrew, expressing support for Amy’s reinstatement as Queens Borough Representative.
SEE: UFT Petition in Support of Amy Arundell
In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher said:
“The alleged actions of the UFT president and leadership are a shameful afront to its stated goal of ‘attaining educational equity’. To penalize their representative for actively seeking an inclusive statement that considers pro-Palestinian narratives is reprehensible.
Unions are fundamentally democratic entities and thus must respect disagreement and diverse perspectives. Unfortunately, Arundell’s reassignment from her position as Queens Borough Representative raises questions about the union’s commitment to fostering open dialogue and inclusive decision-making.”
CAIR-NY’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
CONTACT: Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com; Rabea Ali, rali@cair.com
