The United Federation of Teachers (UFT), New York City’s teachers union, has sparked controversy by sponsoring a virtual workshop addressing the so-called “harmful effects of whiteness.” The event, titled “Holding the Weight on Whiteness,” took place on Monday and was led by Queens-based psychotherapy consultant Erica Sandoval.

The Institute for Education Reform emphasizes that education should be a space for fostering understanding, respect, and equality among all students. We do not support initiatives that could potentially divide or alienate students based on their racial or ethnic backgrounds.

Critics of the UFT’s workshop, including Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli, have expressed concerns about the event’s focus. Borelli questioned why combating “toxic whiteness” has become a priority for the UFT, given the ongoing issues of poor performance within the school system.

Maud Maron, a public school parent activist, called the workshop “racist and bad for students,” stating, “There is nothing wrong with being white, and the sleight of hand of talking about whiteness is not even a fig leaf’s worth of cover.”

At the Institute for Education Reform, we believe in promoting an inclusive, respectful, and unbiased learning environment for all students. We advocate for a curriculum that fosters mutual respect and understanding, rather than one that promotes division or bias.

Join us as we continue to work towards an education system that respects and celebrates the diversity of our students and their families.