Oregon teachers union shares anti-Israel content on social media: 'This is very disturbing'

PORTLAND, Ore. (CITC) — An Oregon teachers union is facing backlash for sharing pro-Palestine content on social media amid the Israel-Hamas war.

The Portland Association of Teachers (PAT) promoted several area events on its Facebook page last week, urging followers to "join us" at each. One event, titled "Palestine 101: Teach-In and Joint Struggle Panel," taught attendees about "the creation of the Zionist state" and "the legacies of Palestinian resistance," according to an event description.

"As the siege on Gaza continues, many are feeling confused about how to speak truth to power and support the fight for Palestinian liberation," the description reads.

A second image shared by PAT advertises an "International Human Rights Day" event, described as highlighting the "struggle for human rights" amid worldwide "fascism." While it is not immediately clear if the event included discussions of the Israel-Hamas war, the digital flyer features an individual holding a sign reading "free free Palestine."

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Commenters on the Facebook post called PAT's actions "incredibly insensitive," noting the union's promotion of the events coincided with the first day of Hanukkah.

"Why is an organization for PUBLIC school teachers supporting and promoting such one sided political agendas? This is very disturbing," one comment reads. "Shouldn’t we be promoting equity and peace for ALL??"

"You are alienating your very own PAT members and their allies to the point that they are considering leaving the union," another reads. "Stick to fair working conditions, compensation, and the contract."

Another commenter alleged PAT has "ignored" Jewish parents and teachers looking to speak with the union about its "damaging actions."

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The outrage comes amid a trend of teachers unions nationwide taking anti-Israel stances. Earlier this month, members of the Oakland Education Association in California held an unauthorized pro-Palestine teach-in just weeks after the teachers union publicly condemned Israel's "apartheid government."

In a letter to the Biden administration Wednesday, 36 parent groups called out unions' alleged role in increasing antisemitism in public schools nationwide.

The controversy follows Portland Public Schools teachers, some of whom are members of PAT, leading a strike which spanned more than three weeks. Students missed 11 days of classroom instruction as the strikers fought for various changes, including higher pay and smaller class sizes.

Crisis in the Classroom (CITC) reached out to PAT for comment, but did not immediately receive a response. This story will be updated if a response is received.

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