Los Angeles teachers voted to refrain from endorsing candidates for public office who supported sending U.S. weapons to Israel, citing opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. (Shutterstock)
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Los Angeles teachers have moved to withhold political endorsements from members of Congress who voted to send weapons to Israel, citing opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, Marcy Winograd writes in an opinion to Common Dreams.
On Dec. 17, the governing body of United Teachers of Los Angeles, which represents about 35,000 educators, passed a motion stating the union should refrain from endorsing candidates who supported weapons funding to Israel. The motion’s rationale said politicians should not be rewarded for enabling genocide or bombing attacks on Palestinians.
The measure passed 56% to 44% after backing from the union’s Human Rights Committee and Raza Educators Committee. UTLA is the largest local affiliate of the California Teachers Association and holds significant influence in statewide endorsements.
Supporters said the decision could encourage other teachers unions, including the National Education Association, to reconsider endorsements. The motion does not set a timeline or mandate enforcement but signals growing opposition among educators to U.S. military aid to Israel and its impact on Gaza’s civilian and educational infrastructure.
