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Public Attack Response Team

Your union can support you if you have been targeted by the public for teaching to or advancing state- or district-required equity standards.
An image shows a member as an individual yellow circle. The "member" reporting the public attack, is then surrounded by three puzzle pieces that fit together to protect the member. The puzzle pieces are labeled "local president," "uniserv consultant," and "PA Response Team."

No matter our race, background, or zip code most Oregonians want our neighborhood public schools to be places where students are inspired to learn, grow, and ask thoughtful questions about the world around them. An honest education includes lessons and a curriculum that fosters cross-cultural understanding and draws on the lived experiences of many different people, and that belief is a core component of Oregon's state education standards.

Public Attack Response

If you feel you have faced a public attack over your professional teaching of equity standards, your union will provide the necessary support to remedy the situation on your behalf.

Begin by reaching out to us or to your local association.

Contact the Public Attack Response Team

You can either fill out a PA Report Form or be interviewed so we can begin with the full picture of the specific incident. At both the local and state level, your case will be collectively assessed so that we can coordinate supports that center you.

Every incident and individual will be different so there is NO one-size-fits-all remedy for a public attack. Your OEA team will work to explore supports that keep you protected and fit both your situation and your desires.

Public Attack Response Process

This team will collect all relevant information, and quickly convene a joint local and state meeting to brainstorm next steps that center the needs and desires of the targeted member and the nature of the specific incident. Resources, supports, and next steps are different in every case and could include such things as administrative leave, legal or counseling support, coordination with state or national hate-crime authorities and organizations, etc.

Examples of Incidents to Report to PART

You were a presenter at a district/campus equity summit and part of your presentation has gone public and you are being specifically targeted by parents, unknown individuals or groups, local or national organizations, etc.
A recording of part of your lesson or a homework assignment aligned with equity standards (Tribal History/Shared History, Ethnic Studies, Holocaust Education, etc.) has gone viral in the community and you are being specifically targeted.
Your social justice work for OEA or outside of your place of employment has been publicly targeted and it is now negatively impacting the workplace.
Your curriculum has been specifically requested in a public record request.
Your name and place of work are specifically being called out in a negative public targeting campaign.
Your name and your equity work appeared on the Parents Defending Education map and harassment by trolls has ensued.
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Keeping the Promise of Quality Public Education

The Oregon Education Association (OEA) is a union committed to the cause of providing the basic right of great public education to every student. OEA represents about 41,000 educators working in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public schools and community colleges. OEA’s membership includes licensed teachers and specialists, classified/education support professionals (ESPs), community college faculty, retired educators, and student members. OEA members also belong to the 3.2 million members of the National Education Association (NEA).