Amy Arundell has been a tireless advocate and fighter within the UFT for years. She’s helped countless members when they were in need and always tries to do what is right. Unions are fundamentally democratic and that often involves healthy disagreement, but even those who have been on the opposite side of an argument from Amy can attest that her commitment to the UFT and its members is second to none.

While we don’t have all the details, what we do know is that in response to current events, Amy spoke out to union leadership privately on a resolution that was up for consideration at the October 2023 Delegate Assembly. As a direct result of speaking in support of inclusive changes in line with her beliefs and opinions, she has been reassigned from her position as Queens Borough Representative.

As UFT members, we are educators first and foremost. If we can’t have thoughtful, respectful discussion about difficult topics, how can we expect our students to? We should strive to start any dialogue with the assumption that the people we disagree with hold their beliefs in good faith and that there is way more that we agree on — especially belief in the basic dignity and value of all human life.

Amy Arundell embodies that shared belief. She embodies the very best of what the UFT is all about. Her record of fighting for the membership is beyond question. We are concerned with the political nature of her reassignment and the chilling effect it can have on healthy discourse within the union. Please join me in signing this petition to President Michael Mulgrew making our voices heard that we support Amy being reinstated as Queens Borough Representative.

Steve Swieciki
UFT Chapter Leader
Herbert H. Lehman High School