CFT members join growing ICE OUT of Minneapolis movement
Across the state and country today, hundreds of thousands are standing up in a nationwide ‘ICE OUT’ day of action in solidarity with the people of Minneapolis and immigrant communities across the country who have been terrorized by ICE and other federal agents.
The day of action, which includes student walk outs, businesses shutting down, and pledges to not shop at ICE’s corporate enablers, is part of a growing ‘ICE OUT’ movement that has exploded since the horrific murders of Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and Keith Porter.
Last Friday the CFT Executive Council passed a resolution in support of the people of Minnesota in their protest against ICE, pledging financial support for labor and community groups on the ground, and to continue to support our local unions with training and resources as our members engage in peaceful, nonviolent resistance of the Trump administration’s authoritarianism. Last October the council passed a resolution calling for abolishing ICE and ending the militarization of our communities.
With immigration raids surging in Los Angeles and San Diego, now is the time for all of us to speak out and get prepared.
As part of our ongoing organizing efforts, CFT members are welcome at two critical trainings set for next week. First up is our Tuesday, February 3 training from 5:00–5:45 p.m. on using the Signal app to be rapid response ready. When every second counts, communications need to be fast, secure, and reliable. Second up is the nationwide NO KINGS Eyes on Ice training, set for Thursday, February 5 from 5:00–6:00 p.m. This training will give you the tools to exercise your Constitutional rights in a moment when federal agents are terrorizing our communities and using excessive force. Additional trainings and workshops are being added regularly on our CFT Fight Back website.
CFT endorses Al Muratsuchi for State Superintendent of Public Instruction
On Friday, January 23 the CFT Executive Council endorsed Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi in his candidacy to be the next California Superintendent of Public Instruction. In making the endorsement, the council was particularly impressed with Muratsuchi’s experience as an educator (and CFT member!), and his proven track record in the California Assembly as the former head of the Assembly Education Committee.
“Al Muratsuchi has been a relentless champion for public schools, standing up to extremists and fighting for the teachers and classified employees who make our classrooms work every day,” said CFT President Jeff Freitas in announcing the endorsement. “He understands that public schools are under attack, and he has the backbone and experience to fight back.”
Learn more about Muratsuchi in his own words from when he appeared at the CFT SPI candidate forum last fall.
Over the weekend, the council also made additional endorsements for other statewide Constitutional Officers, and for other statewide and legislative offices. Read the complete list of endorsements here.
Watch the CFT candidate forum for the next governor of California
Thanks to everyone who took part in the CFT gubernatorial candidates forum last Friday and those who offered their feedback on the performance of the candidates. Missed the forum, but interested in hearing the candidates’ positions and plans for public education should they get elected? Check out this video of the forum posted on the CFT website.
Take the AFT debt survey on affordability
As costs for many expenses continue to soar, including housing, healthcare, child care, college tuition, and more, the AFT has launched a confidential online survey to better understand how debt is affecting your financial situation and everyday life. Your feedback will help our national union shape the resources we build and the work we all take on to help members get the relief they need. Take the survey here.
Save the date: March in March 2026 in Sacramento on March 12!
First held in the late 2000s, March in March is a long-standing California movement where community college students, faculty, and advocates come together at the State Capitol to defend access, affordability, and public investment in higher education. Across the years, it has mobilized thousands statewide and remains one of the most visible demonstrations of the power and unity of the California Community Colleges system. March in March 2026 will take place on Thursday, March 12, 2026. For more information, and to register, click here.
