Angry Staten Island teachers are criticizing their union’s political director for its support of Saturday’s march against police brutality. The teachers are complaining that the United Federation of Teachers is siding with the Rev. Al Sharpton over rank-and-file cops, many of whom live on Staten Island.
“The union was dead wrong to support this march against another city union. That is what it really is,” Cindy Panarella, a special-ed teacher at PS 144 in Mariners Harbor, said in an blistering e-mail to UFT borough political director Donna Coppola. “This is a slap in the face to our police department.”
In response, Coppola claimed the UFT is not using any union dues or contributions to support the march to protest Eric Garner’s chokehold death following a confrontation with police.
“I will be sure to bring your concerns to the leadership,” Coppola replied. “I hope you are enjoying your summer!”