Human Rights

We have compiled a list of resources on immigrant rights in this 3-page document.

December 10th marks the 69th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR is a milestone document in the history of human rights declaring that peoples of all nations have fundamental human rights that should be universally protected.

At the AFT Washington Executive Board meeting, December 2, 2017, the board, college council presidents and staff of AFT Washington read the UDHR aloud in solidarity with the United Nations' "Stand Up for Human Rights - Add Your Voice" campaign (video below).

In reading together, we affirmed our commitment to these principles, many of which directly pertain to our work as trade unionists, organizers, and social justice activists. The United Nations site also has an illustrated UDHR that students and families would appreciate. Stand Up for Human Rights with us!

In Peace and Solidarity,

Tracy Lai
AFT WA Vice President for Human Rights
 

2016 Resolutions/Special Order of Business (SOB)

Resolution 2016-03: Promote and participate in the May 1, 2016, March and Rally for Immigrant and Workers' Rights

2012 Resolutions/Special Order of Business (SOB)

SOB 2012-03: Resolution endorsing the Washington United for Marriage Campaign and vote to approve Referendum 74 to retain Washington State's Civil Marriage Equality Law.

2011 Resolutions/Special Order of Business (SOB)

SOB 2011-01: Resolution to support comprehensive immigration reform and urge locals and international AFT to support and contact congressional delegation.

SOB 2011-02: Resolution in support of Proposition 1 in the City of Yakima to change the way Yakima's City Council is elected by creating seven equal districts so that each council member is elected by and accountable to the district in which they live, and support of a "Home Rule Charter" in Yakima County.

SOB 2011-03: Resolution in Support of the Creation of Political Districts in Which People of Color Are in the Majority; creating a new 10th congressional district and three legislative districts. AFT Washington will ask its locals to encourage members to become involved in the redistricting process.

SOB 2011-04: Resolution in Support of the Respect for Marriage Act which would repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act and end federal discrimination against legally married same-sex couples.

2010 Resolutions/Special Order of Business (SOB)

Resolution in support of Duwamish Tribal Recognition which was denied its federal recognition despite the evidence that they were an established tribal structure in the early 1900's.

Submitted by Dr. Patricia Russell, AFT Seattle Federation L1789

Often times I smile when I hear the word “microaggression.” I find them to be anything but “micro.” What are they?

Microaggressions are the everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership. In many cases, these hidden messages may invalidate the group identity or experiential reality of target persons, demean them on a personal or group

AFT Washington presents an annual award in recognition of those who fight for social justice and human rights at their workplaces and in their community, the César Chávez Human Rights Award was given to Vik Bahl, instructor at Green River College and member of the Green River Community College United Faculty Local 2195.