FISM News

United Federation of Teachers seminar on ‘harmful effects of whiteness’ canceled

by Jacob Fuller

Trey Paul, FISM News 

Had it not been abruptly canceled, anyone could have, for a cost of $25, attended a virtual workshop sponsored by the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) to learn how to resist “the harmful effects of whiteness in our lives.”

The New York Post revealed the divisive and racist concept as part of a two-hour seminar called “Holding the Weight of Whiteness” that was set to be hosted by Licensed Clinical Social Worker Erica Sandoval.

Sandoval said the New York City teachers union event was canceled because she received “hate messages” and “disparaging comments” left on her social media pages. “Because of this, UFT expressed concern and we collectively decided to postpone the discussion,” she said.

For some attendees, Sandoval’s workshop would have meant two hours of credit toward continuing education credentials, which could ultimately have resulted in a higher salary.

“Participants will leave the workshop with a better understanding of how to center ourselves as a form of resistance against the harmful effects of whiteness in our lives, the organizations we work for or direct, and the communities in which we serve,” according to a post on Instagram.

Before the event was canceled, Republican New York City Councilwoman Joann Ariola released a statement about the “appalling” workshop.

“We are living in a time when racial relations are at their lowest point in decades, and this kind of program will only further divide us,” Ariola wrote. “Instead of labeling one racial group as inherently “harmful,” we should be teaching school staff how they can better come together and respect their colleagues, students, and parents regardless of race.”

The seminar also didn’t sit well with NYC Council Republican leader Joe Borelli who said he was contacted by teachers and parents who were upset by it. He says they were left wondering why fighting so-called “toxic whiteness” is a priority for a union connected to poor performance in the classroom, something FISM News reported on this month.

Councilman Borelli shared his thoughts about the union on Twitter.

“There is no other institution doing a better job eroding trust in public schools. Glad I was able to bring this to light. Won’t prevent more of it though, sadly,” Borelli wrote.

“Why is it important for employees of the New York City Department of Education to serve as a form of resistance against the effects of whiteness in their lives, the Department of Education, and the diverse communities in which they serve, which may consist of white students and families?” Councilman Borelli wrote in a letter to Tina Puccio, director of the UFT’s Member Assistance Program.

“To be clear, I don’t actually care what your speakers tell your members in an optional and private seminar,” he added. “I care how members will implement the ‘resistance’ against these ‘harmful effects of whiteness’ when dealing with students and parents as part of their employment with the department.”

Parents like Maud Maron say the workshop isn’t just “unnecessary,” it’s also “racist and bad for students whose education and well-being should be top of mind for everyone, including the teachers’ union.” She added: “There is nothing wrong with being white, and the sleight of hand of talking about whiteness is not even a fig’s leaf worth of cover.”

Sandoval, a native of Ecuador, told the Post that the event was “misinterpreted by certain members of the UFT and the public at large.” She added that she had “no intention of offending and causing any discomfort to the audience” and said she is a “strong advocate for inclusion and love of all human beings.”

UFT spokesperson Alison Gendar said the union “offers professional development on a range of issues” but didn’t say anything else about the controversy the seminar has caused.

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