ALBANY, N.Y. July 18, 2013 - New York State United Teachers President Richard C. Iannuzzi today called on the U.S. Department of Justice to conduct a full investigation into any potential civil rights violations committed against Trayvon Martin.
"NYSUT is joining with its national affiliates, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, and calling on the Justice Department to conduct a full investigation into any potential civil rights violations committed against Trayvon Martin," Iannuzzi said.
NYSUT is also urging its members to sign the NAACP's petition to the Department of Justice: www.naacp.org/sign-the-DOJ-petition.
"The violent death of Trayvon Martin is a national tragedy," Iannuzzi said, adding, "As a union representing more than 600,000 education and health care professionals, NYSUT has a responsibility to set an example by seeking justice; teaching fairness; providing compassion and understanding to families and communities who grieve; and preventing future tragedies. NYSUT remains steadfast in its commitment to fight for federal, state and local laws, policies and practices that will prohibit racial profiling and protect civil rights. We honor Trayvon's memory by strengthening the grassroots movement for economic and social justice and positive change."
NYSUT, the state's largest union, represents more than 600,000 teachers, school-related professionals, academic and professional faculty in higher education, professionals in education and health care and retirees. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.
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