Setting the Record Straight

In recent days, a deeply misleading article has circulated that attempts to paint me — and the reform movement I am proud to be part of — as antisemitic and dangerous. These accusations are false and offensive. They are also politically motivated and meant to distract our members from what matters.

Still, I want to ensure there is no confusion on this point, so let me state this clearly and unequivocally: I reject all forms of bigotry, including antisemitism. I always have and I always will. Every educator and every student deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected — no exceptions.

What’s most troubling about this attack is not just the misinformation, but the intent. Unity Caucus, which has held control of our union for over sixty years, and the last 16 years under Michael Mulgrew, is using fear and division to distract from their own lackluster record: stagnant pay, deteriorating working conditions, and a culture of top-down control that leaves members feeling voiceless. They call themselves "Unity," but they are advancing a narrative designed to divide our membership along lines of religion, race, and ideology to mask their lack of accomplishment. That’s not unity — it’s manipulation.

Conversely, from the beginning I have tried to steer the UFT away from taking any official position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict precisely because of the enormous potential it has to divide our membership.

Furthermore, the simple fact is the union should be focused on local and state issues, not international ones. Peace in the Middle East does not hinge on a resolution passed in the UFT Delegate Assembly, and I know from my own experiences speaking with members as well as the feedback our slate has received that the vast majority of educators would prefer the union improve their pay and stop the erosion of our health benefits and pensions. That’s why the response to A Better Contract’s platform — including our commitment to be politically nonpartisan and restore the voice of our members in making major decisions such as endorsements — has been so positive.

As a candidate for UFT President, I have one commitment: to fight for every member, regardless of background or belief. I have not and will not bring personal politics into the union hall, and to be clear I couldn’t do so even if I wanted to.

Our slate includes members of all political stripes — Democrats, Republicans, critics of Israel, proud Zionists, and more. What unites us is our shared belief that the UFT under Michael Mulgrew has lost its way, that this ship urgently needs to be righted before it’s too late, and that only an engaged and informed membership can do so.

My focus as UFT President will be on our shared struggles as educators and our collective power as a union. That means standing up for better pay, real due process, stronger working conditions, and a union culture rooted in democracy and respect.

This campaign is about building a UFT that listens to its members — all of them — and represents them with integrity. I’m not interested in divisive tactics or political theater. I’m interested in winning a better contract, defending public education, and restoring trust in our union.

Let’s move forward together — with honesty, with solidarity, and with a clear vision for a better UFT.

-Amy Arundell

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