The UFT will pay a heavy price for sponsoring the Rev. Al Sharptons anti-cop rally on Staten Island as a growing number of teachers vow to cancel their contributions to the unions political action committee. The UFTs Committee on Political Education, or COPE, raked in more than $6 million between Jan. 1, 2013, and June 30, 2014, according to records filed with the Federal Election Commission.
But ever since the union announced its support last week for a protest over the police chokehold death of Eric Garner, hundreds of members have used the UFTs own Facebook page to publicly sever ties with COPE.
I would like a refund on my COPE contributions, Jaime Russo Sclafani wrote. It makes me sick that I donated money from my paycheck to support and provide transportation to march against the very people who keep us safe.
Other posters listed contact information for the COPE office and a form letter to cancel payroll deductions that fund the powerful lobbying organization.
The UFT didnt return requests for comment.
Tuesdays announcement by Staten Island DA Dan Donovan that a special grand jury would hear evidence in Garners death had no impact on plans for Saturdays protest, and law-enforcement sources said the NYPD was working hard to ensure it remained peaceful.
A high-ranking source said the recent rioting in Ferguson, Mo., over the police shooting of unarmed teen Michael Brown is on the minds of everyone.
Its of definite concern whats happening down there . . . We dont want another Ferguson on Staten Island, the source said.
The source also noted that Sharpton is bouncing back and forth from Ferguson to the city and now hes having this rally on Staten Island. So were going to be ready.
As many as 15,000 protesters are expected to show up, and merchants along the march route said they were preparing for the worst.
Ebdo Ali, manager of the Wedyan Food Deli on Stuyvesant Place, said he planned to close the store once he saw marchers approaching, which will likely cost at least $1,000 in receipts.
You never know whats going to happen the windows could get broken, people could come in and steal, or take things and throw them at the cops, said Ali, 36.
Lori Honor, owner of Honor Wines on Bay Street, said she also planned to close her store, despite the fact that Saturday is usually the busiest day of the week.
Even if it goes smoothly, theres no access for our customers, she said. We may have to re-open Sunday to recoup our losses.
Meanwhile, outraged educators plan to wear NYPD T-shirts on the first day of school next month to show support for New Yorks Finest.
I will be wearing a NYPD shirt proudly, said Raymond Cottrell, 54, a science teacher at IS 24 in Manhattan. I do not agree with my union supporting the march.
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Poster Comment:
Wow! This is very promising. Americans may be waking up to race-baiting charlatans and the Dem Party's racial divide agenda as well as unions' knee-jerk blind support for both entities.
I would like a refund on my COPE contributions, Jaime Russo Sclafani wrote. It makes me sick that I donated money from my paycheck to support and provide transportation to march against the very people who keep us safe....A high-ranking source said the recent rioting in Ferguson, Mo., over the police shooting of unarmed teen Michael Brown is on the minds of everyone.