In a recent statement, the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) addressed the community's concerns regarding an upcoming teach-in that promotes a pro-Palestine agenda. The teach-in, scheduled for Wednesday, December 6, has been a topic of discussion after organizers shared materials with Oakland teachers last week. These materials alleged that the teach-in would be an effective use of labor power and that teachers had permission to participate.

However, OUSD Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell expressed her disappointment with the materials, describing them as harmful and divisive. In her statement, Johnson-Trammell made it clear that the district does not authorize this action and emphasized that the instructional materials developed and shared by the teach-in organizers are not aligned with the guidance previously provided by the Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Sondra Aguilera.

The district's expectation is for all educators to adhere to principles of education and to keep personal beliefs out of the classroom. The statement also highlighted school policies and legal guidelines related to controversial discussions, academic freedom, and guest speakers.

This proposed teach-in follows an incident last month when the Oakland Education Association shared and later deleted an Instagram post pledging "unequivocal support for Palestinian liberation" while criticizing Israel as an "apartheid state."

The controversy surrounding the teach-in has sparked a debate within the community. While some argue for the importance of counternarratives and teachers' engagement in social issues, others believe that personal beliefs should remain separate from education.

The OUSD's statement serves to clarify the district's position and reinforce the importance of maintaining objectivity in the classroom. As the scheduled teach-in approaches, it remains to be seen how the community will respond and whether the organizers will proceed with their plans in light of the district's opposition.

For now, all eyes are on the Oakland school district as they work towards resolving this dispute and upholding their commitment to providing quality education while respecting the diverse viewpoints held by their students, parents, and teachers.